A devastating Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of more than 290 people, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the victims. In what is being described as a miracle, one British man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the disaster.
The Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to London's Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight departed at 1:38 PM local time. Just minutes after takeoff, the pilot issued a "Mayday" distress call, indicating a full emergency. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft plummeted into a residential area, striking the B.J. Medical College hostel, where over 100 students were gathered for lunch.
The impact and subsequent explosion resulted in a towering plume of smoke visible from afar. The crash site was a scene of utter devastation, with debris scattered across a wide area. Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police, rushed to the site to begin rescue operations.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor, was seated in seat 11A, near the front of the plane. Reports indicate he managed to jump from the aircraft. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who examined Ramesh, stated that he was disoriented and had multiple injuries but seemed to be out of danger.
The crash has prompted widespread grief and shock. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, describing the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words." The Tata Group, the owner of Air India, has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the investigation, with assistance from experts from the United States and the United Kingdom. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after takeoff. Aviation experts are considering various factors that may have contributed to the crash, including potential engine failure, issues with the aircraft's flaps or landing gear, and the impact of high temperatures on the plane's performance.
The crash has also raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The New York Times reported in April 2024 that the Federal Aviation Administration was investigating claims made by a whistleblower – a Boeing engineer – who claimed that sections of the 787 Dreamliner were improperly fastened together and could break apart after thousands of trips. At the time, Boeing told the paper that it had "determined that this is not an immediate safety of flight issue."
The Air India disaster is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with air travel. As investigations continue, families and friends of the victims are left to mourn their loss.
