By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
AHMEDABAD, INDIA (News Of The South) – A horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad today has sent shockwaves across India and the United Kingdom, as an Air India passenger plane bound for London Gatwick plummeted to the ground shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of at least 204 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, including 53 British nationals, when it crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, including a doctors’ hostel, just minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
What Happened, Where, and How:
Air India flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT). According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the signal from the aircraft was lost “less than a minute after take-off,” with flight data indicating the plane reached an altitude of only 625ft (190m) before descending. India’s aviation regulator confirmed that the plane issued a “mayday” call to air traffic control, but no further response was received. The aircraft then crashed into a residential area, specifically impacting a doctors’ hostel within a medical campus. Verified footage from central Ahmedabad shows huge plumes of black smoke rising into the sky from the crash site. Eyewitnesses reported a loud noise around 30 seconds after take-off before the plane crashed, resulting in a large explosion and fireball.
Who Died, Who Was Injured, Any Survivors:
Ahmedabad’s police chief, G.S. Malik, has confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered. The total death toll, however, is feared to be higher, potentially exceeding 290, as the crash occurred in a residential area, leading to casualties on the ground as well. Among those confirmed dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Initial reports from Police Chief Malik suggested no survivors from the flight, but a British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sitting in seat 11A, has miraculously survived and is receiving treatment for injuries to his face, chest, and feet. He reportedly walked away from the crash site. While 41 people are being treated for injuries, it is currently unclear if these are solely from the ground or include some from the plane’s occupants. The Indian Medical Association Gujarat confirmed the deaths of three MBBS students and reported that 45 others have been hospitalized from the medical campus hit by the plane.
The flight manifest indicated 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals on board, in addition to the crew. British authorities have confirmed the deaths of several British nationals, including a family of three: Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter Sara.
What Are Accident Investigators Saying:
Details are still emerging, but initial investigations will focus on the “mayday” call and the sudden loss of altitude. Aviation experts have noted that the position of the plane’s wing flaps during take-off may be a point of inquiry. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) from the United States has announced that it will send a team of investigators to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with its probe. This is the first major accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since its launch 14 years ago, a model previously lauded for carrying one billion passengers.
What Are Authorities Saying:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, stating the tragedy has “stunned and saddened us” and is “heartbreaking beyond words.” He confirmed being in touch with ministers and authorities assisting those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site and confirmed that retrieval of bodies is nearly complete, emphasizing that the final death toll will be confirmed after DNA testing for victim identification.
Air India, operated by the Tata Group, confirmed the accident and stated it is fully cooperating with investigating authorities, providing a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) for information. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed his “deep sorrow” and assured that efforts are focused on supporting passengers, crew, and their families. The Tata Group has announced a compensation of 1 crore rupees (approximately £86,000) to the families of each person killed.
The UK government has also offered assistance and is sending a team to help with the investigation. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating,” and Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated the UK is working with Indian authorities to “urgently establish the facts” and provide support.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all operations until further notice.
Current Situation:
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing at the crash site in Meghani Nagar, though authorities state that the retrieval of bodies is nearly complete. Emergency services, including six NDRF teams, firefighters, ambulances, and police units, were immediately mobilized. The area is devastated, with wreckage strewn across the residential neighborhood and significant damage to buildings. Hospitals in Ahmedabad, particularly Civil Hospital, are treating the injured and have set up helpline numbers for inquiries (6357373831 and 6357373841). DNA testing facilities have been arranged at B.J. Medical College to aid in identifying victims.
The incident has deeply affected both India and the UK, with vigils being held and expressions of condolences pouring in from around the world. The focus remains on victim identification, supporting affected families, and a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident.
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