Tragedy Strikes as Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Takeoff in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, India – A devastating incident unfolded Thursday when an Air India passenger plane, bound for London, crashed into a medical college shortly after takeoff, resulting in at least 240 fatalities, marking one of the worst airline disasters in India’s history.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed just five minutes post-departure from Ahmedabad’s airport. Among the victims were medical students at the college, with reports indicating that many bodies were severely burned, complicating identification efforts.
The sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was injured and disoriented but is currently out of danger, according to medical staff. Eyewitness accounts describe a fireball erupting as the plane’s wreckage landed in the residential area of Meghani Nagar, prompting emergency services to combat flames engulfing nearby buildings.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling it "heartbreaking beyond words." He extended condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for supporting those affected. Gujarat’s former chief minister is also reported to be among the deceased.
The crash marks the first incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft initiated a mayday call signaling an emergency, but further communication was lost. Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash, highlighting that the flight data recorder will provide essential insights.
UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, offered support to affected families, emphasizing the close ties between the UK and India, especially as many victims held British nationality.
As aviation experts reflect on this tragedy, Air India’s chairman stated that the immediate focus is on assisting victims and their families during this crisis.
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