In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, at least 265 people were killed when an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted right into a medical college hostel, sparking a massive blaze and leaving only one survivor among the 242 on board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Ahmedabad today to inspect the crash site and visit the Civil Hospital, where the injured are receiving treatment.
The ill-fated Flight AI171 was headed for London’s Gatwick Airport when it went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar residential area, just minutes after lifting off. Footage captured by a bystander showed the aircraft losing altitude as it struggled to gain lift before erupting into a fireball upon impact.
There were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese and a Canadian among the 230 passengers on board, along with 12 crew members. Among those killed was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani. Only one man made it out alive -- Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a passenger seated in 11A. He is receiving treatment at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
The plane crashed into the hostel block of a medical college during lunchtime, increasing casualties on the ground. A massive multi-agency rescue operation involving the Army, NDRF, CISF, and local fire services was launched.
Rescue workers said temperatures at the crash site reached 1,000 degrees Celsius due to the explosion of over 1.25 lakh litres of jet fuel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said it was "impossible to save anyone" due to the intensity of the blaze.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "stunning and saddening" and directed Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to oversee support operations. PM Modi is expected to travel to Ahmedabad today and review the on-ground situation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the aircraft sent a Mayday call moments before losing contact. A formal probe has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under ICAO protocols.
The tragedy marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model introduced into commercial service in 2011. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed condolences and said a team of technical experts would be sent to assist with the investigation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Foreign Secretary is coordinating with Indian authorities in the probe. US President Donald Trump also offered to help India following the "horrific" plane crash, saying, "Anything we can do, we will do."
Air India’s Parent company Tata Group announced Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of those killed, full medical expense coverage for the injured, and assistance to rebuild the impacted medical college infrastructure.
Source: India Today