An Air India flight destined for London crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, resulting in over 260 fatalities. The Boeing Dreamliner went down moments after departure, impacting a local medical college and causing significant destruction on the ground.
The crash, which occurred at 1:38 p.m. local time, has been described as India's deadliest aviation disaster since 1996. The aircraft, identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it crashed just a mile southwest of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Officials confirmed that 241 individuals on the plane were killed, with one British citizen surviving the incident. Video footage shows the plane taking off and then descending over buildings before erupting into flames. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the jet skidded along the ground, damaging structures, including a dining hall at B.J. Medical College, where several students were present.
Rescue operations revealed that 269 bodies had been recovered, although officials cautioned that this number could change following DNA testing. The crash also resulted in the deaths of at least five students from the medical college, as many were trapped in the fire.
India's home minister reported that the aircraft was carrying a substantial amount of fuel, exacerbating the fire's intensity. Emergency responders faced challenges navigating the wreckage and smoke as they searched for victims.
The flight, designated Air India 171, included a diverse group of passengers, with nationalities including Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian. The Indian Prime Minister expressed deep condolences, while the British government initiated efforts to gather information for affected citizens.
In response to the crash, both the United States and the United Kingdom announced plans to send investigators to assist Indian authorities. This incident raises further scrutiny of Boeing, which has faced ongoing safety concerns and challenges related to its aircraft models.
Air India has been working to enhance its safety record, having previously experienced significant incidents. The investigation into the crash will focus on various factors, including aircraft configuration and environmental conditions at the time of takeoff.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crash has drawn attention to the safety standards of India's rapidly growing aviation sector, as officials continue to gather information regarding the passengers onboard, including notable figures such as former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.