An Air India flight from Ahmedabad, India to London met with tragedy just moments after take-off on Thursday, crashing into a residential area and leaving a death toll of 241. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 230 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals and others from various countries, impacted buildings including a hospital complex and a student hostel, leading to widespread devastation.
One sole survivor, a British national named Vishwashkumar Ramesh, emerged from the wreckage and recounted the terrifying scenes that unfolded just thirty seconds post-departure. Although he survived, the fate of his brother, who was also onboard, remains uncertain. Authorities have reported that search and rescue teams are recovering bodies from both the aircraft and the ground, increasing fears that the death toll might rise further.
The plane had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad around 13:39 local time and was expected to land at London’s Gatwick Airport later that afternoon. Eyewitness accounts describe a massive chaos with debris scattered everywhere, and authorities have confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered so far.
The crash, noted as India’s deadliest aviation disaster involving a Dreamliner, has prompted an investigation led by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and has attracted assistance from US and British authorities. Boeing has also pledged support to those affected.
Local officials expressed deep concern for the medical college community as many students were present during the lunchtime disaster. Reports indicate that certain areas of the campus sustained critical damage, and while most students managed to evacuate, the thick smoke left search and rescue teams racing against time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and announced that the Tata Group would compensate families of victims with monetary support. The escalating concern has seen international leaders offering condolences, as the affected families navigate this unimaginable loss during an ongoing investigation into the factors that led to this catastrophe.
