Air India crash kills 241; one passenger miraculously survives

A devastating Air India plane crash has resulted in the tragic loss of 241 lives. In a remarkable turn of events, one passenger survived the disaster, defying all odds. The incident has shocked the nation and prompted an urgent investigation into the cause of the crash. Emergency services and aviation authorities are working together to uncover what led to the catastrophe, while tributes pour in for the victims of this heartbreaking aviation tragedy.

An Air India aircraft en route from India to London crashed shortly after taking off on Thursday, leading to the deaths of 241 people, including passengers, crew, and several individuals on the ground. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that departed from Ahmedabad in western India, crashed into a residential zone, hitting buildings that housed a hospital and a student hostel.

Remarkably, a single passenger, a British citizen seated in 11A, survived the catastrophe. He later told family members he had no idea how he made it out alive. Authorities are still investigating the reason behind the crash, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called "heartbreaking beyond words." Officials cautioned that the death toll may rise, as the crash is already being referred to as one of the most catastrophic aviation incidents in Indian history. Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive at London’s Gatwick Airport by 6:25 p.m. BST.

A total of 230 passengers were onboard, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 from the UK, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 crew members. Local police confirmed that 204 bodies had been retrieved, though it's unclear how many were from the flight and how many were ground casualties. Photos from the crash site show widespread wreckage, with parts of the plane embedded into surrounding buildings. News of the sole survivor quickly spread worldwide, as the British national, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was seen limping away from the wreckage while smoke rose in the background.

His cousin, Ajay Valgi, said Mr. Ramesh phoned to say he was safe, but the fate of his brother, who was also on the flight, remains unknown. This incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction in 2011. Boeing issued a statement expressing readiness to support the probe, which is being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The statement also conveyed condolences and support for all those affected, including passengers, crew, and emergency responders.

Both US and UK officials will be involved in the investigation, with the US National Transportation Safety Board sending experts to assist. India’s aviation authority confirmed that the aircraft made a distress call just seconds after takeoff. Moments later, it lost communication with air traffic controllers and crashed just outside the airport boundary. The aircraft went down in the middle of a large medical complex with multiple specialty centers. BBC correspondent Sachin Pithva described harrowing scenes as rescue teams worked to recover remains.

Even hours after the incident, heavy smoke was seen pouring from the damaged buildings, and personal belongings, including passports, were scattered across the site. Health officials in Gujarat confirmed that the aircraft hit the staff quarters and hostel associated with Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital. According to the hospital dean, Dr. Meenkashi Parekh, the plane initially struck the mess hall before crashing into a hostel building. The crash occurred during lunchtime, when many students were eating. Images show a damaged hostel and a mess hall still filled with untouched meals.

While many students escaped, thick smoke quickly engulfed the building, trapping at least 10 to 12 students, the dean added. There are fears that several students may have died in the fire, while many others have been hospitalized with injuries. Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, announced a compensation of ₹1 crore (around £86,000) for each victim’s family. Prime Minister Modi posted on X, expressing shock and deep sorrow, and extended condolences to all those affected by the crash.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed they were monitoring the situation closely, and King Charles also offered his heartfelt sympathies. Starmer also revealed that a UK response team had been sent to Gujarat and urged affected families to contact the Foreign Office for assistance.

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Source: BBC‍