An Air India passenger aircraft en route to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, resulting in the grim loss of at least 204 lives. The flight was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including passengers and crew members, leading the airline to label the incident a “tragic accident.”
Ahmedabad’s police chief reported to BBC that authorities have recovered 204 bodies from the crash site, while an additional 41 individuals are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. There are concerns that local residents in the vicinity may also have been affected by the calamity. Initial assessments suggest that there were likely no survivors from the plane.
Crash details and timeline
According to Air India, flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), with its intended destination set for London Gatwick, scheduled to land at 18:25 BST. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate suspension of all airport operations.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the last signal from the aircraft was lost less than a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 625 feet (190 meters). The plane had initiated a mayday call to air traffic control prior to the loss of communication. Reports confirm that the aircraft came down in a residential area known as Meghani Nagar, specifically crashing into a hostel for medical staff.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaotic aftermath, with one local resident stating that her son had to leap from the second floor of the hostel to escape the crash, sustaining injuries in the process. Verified footage captured from the scene depicted towering plumes of black smoke, while nearby residents rushed to assist and save lives.
Casualties and passenger details
Of the 242 people aboard, Air India confirmed that the passenger manifest included 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which has a seating capacity of 256.
In response to the disaster, Air India has established an emergency center to assist families seeking information about their loved ones. The airline’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, announced the activation of a dedicated support team for this purpose. Gatwick Airport also confirmed that it is setting up a reception center for relatives of passengers, ensuring that information is readily available. They urged British nationals requiring consular assistance or having concerns about friends and family to contact the helpline provided.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, involved in this incident, has been in service for 14 years and is noted for its extensive passenger capacity. Boeing has expressed its commitment to supporting Air India during this crisis and has extended condolences to all affected parties.
In statements released via social media, Air India acknowledged the accident, affirming its full cooperation with investigative authorities while emphasizing their focus on assisting emergency response teams at the crash site. The airline has set up a hotline for passengers and their families to receive further updates.
India’s aviation minister has called for all aviation and emergency response agencies to take immediate action. Rescue teams are on-site, working diligently to provide medical aid and support. The chief minister of Gujarat has also directed officials to engage in immediate rescue operations and prepare for relief efforts.
In the wake of this tragedy, both Indian and UK leaders have expressed their sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his profound sadness over the event, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words,” and stated he is in contact with officials managing the situation. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the visuals emerging from Ahmedabad as devastating and extended his thoughts to the families affected by this deeply distressing event. Additionally, Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the UK government is collaborating with local authorities to ascertain the facts and provide necessary support. The King and Queen of the UK also expressed their shock and condolences, praising the emergency services for their heroic efforts in handling this traumatic situation.