A devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of at least 265 people. The flight, AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, 241 of those on board perished in the crash.
The impact of the crash was felt beyond the confines of the aircraft, as the plane came down in a residential area near the airport, specifically crashing into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital compound. Among the fatalities were at least 10 individuals present at a hostel within the medical college complex. The crash also resulted in injuries to over 60 medical students.
Authorities have confirmed one survivor from the flight, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national. He is currently receiving treatment in an Ahmedabad hospital. According to Ramesh, just 30 seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed.
The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian citizen. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Also among the victims were Dr. Prateek Joshi, a radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital, his wife, and their three children.
The crash occurred at 1:39 PM local time, less than a minute after takeoff. Initial reports suggest the plane struggled to gain altitude after departure. A mayday call was sent to air traffic control, but no further communication was received from the aircraft. The原因of the crash is currently under investigation. Both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the wreckage, and investigators, including anti-terror squads, are analyzing the data to determine the cause of the tragedy. Preliminary investigations are focusing on possible mechanical failure or other technical issues. The Indian government is considering temporarily grounding Air India's Boeing 787 fleet pending the outcome of the investigation.
The aftermath of the crash has been chaotic and heart-wrenching. Fire and emergency personnel worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and recover bodies from the wreckage. Many bodies were charred beyond recognition, adding to the difficulty of identification.
Air India has established helpline numbers for families seeking information about the incident. Families in India can call 1800 5691 444, while those outside India can contact the British Foreign Office at 020 7008 5000. The airline is working to provide support and assistance to the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
