An Air India flight carrying 242 people tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India, killing 241 passengers and crew, according to officials. The only survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, escaped through an emergency exit and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick when it went down on Thursday, crashing into a medical college hostel near the airport during lunchtime. The collision occurred in a residential area, causing widespread destruction. Air India confirmed the death toll in an official statement, expressing condolences and focusing efforts on supporting the victims’ families.
Read more: Boeing Shares Fall After Deadly Air India Crash in Ahmedabad
Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the sole survivor, and Police Commissioner GS Malik reported the recovery of 204 bodies so far, some of which may include individuals on the ground. Dramatic visuals from the crash site showed heavy smoke, scattered wreckage, and the plane’s tail lodged in the building’s roof.
According to air traffic control, the pilot issued a mayday signal before the crash, but contact was lost shortly afterward. The plane involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its safety record and modern design. This marks the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 model since its introduction 15 years ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, expressed his deep sorrow, calling the incident “heartbreaking beyond words.” Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also conveyed his grief and confirmed that rescue and medical teams have been deployed to the site.
In response, the UK government is working closely with Indian authorities to determine the cause of the accident, with the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch sending a specialized team to assist in the investigation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash scenes “devastating” and pledged support for those impacted.
Aviation analyst Alex Macheras noted that this crash is unprecedented for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has maintained a strong safety record throughout its 15-year service history. The last major air crash in India occurred in 2020, involving an Air India Express aircraft, which claimed 21 lives after overshooting a runway in Kozhikode.
