An Air India flight crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 individuals, including passengers and crew. One survivor is reported as rescue efforts continue to ascertain the full impact of the tragedy, which has drawn global attention and spurred investigations into the cause.
Tragic Air India Plane Crash Claims 241 Lives, One Passenger Miraculously Survives
Tragic Air India Plane Crash Claims 241 Lives, One Passenger Miraculously Survives
A catastrophic plane crash in India leads to devastating toll as a single passenger survives, prompting international concern and an investigation.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after taking off on Thursday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 241 lives, including passengers and crew members. The aircraft descended rapidly into a residential area, colliding with a hospital complex and a student hostel, leaving behind a catastrophic scene.
Among the passengers, one British national emerged as the sole survivor—Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who described the horrifying seconds leading to the crash. He, along with 230 others, had boarded the flight, which took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:39 PM local time, scheduled to land at London’s Gatwick Airport.
The incident has been termed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India's history. Initial reports indicate that rescue workers have recovered 204 bodies, with authorities assessing whether those are predominantly from the flight or the nearby structures it struck during the demise. Eyewitness testimonies indicate that the plane issued a mayday call shortly after take-off, losing contact with air traffic control just seconds before crashing.
As rescue operations unfolded, images showed airplane parts fused into the buildings, creating scenes of chaos in the disaster zone. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to retrieve the victims' remains and provide aid to those affected, as smoke continued to billow from the wreckage. College administrators indicated that a significant number of students were present in the canteen at the time, and while many escaped, several were trapped, leading to fears of additional fatalities among students.
In response to the tragedy, Tata Group—the airline's parent company—offered compensation of one crore rupee (approximately £86,000) for the families of the deceased. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, calling the event "heartbreaking beyond words." International leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, pledged support and involvement in the ongoing investigation, which includes collaboration from U.S. and British authorities.
As the investigation into the crash's causes begins, the focus shifts towards understanding how such a disaster could occur so rapidly and ensuring that the victims and their families receive the necessary support during this trying time.
