More than 290 people have died after an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into the B.J. Medical College hostel just seconds after takeoff.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including crew, children, and infants. According to eyewitnesses, the plane struggled to gain height and appeared unstable in the air. Moments later, it slammed into the building where students were having lunch as per Reuters report.
“I saw the plane just above the rooftops,” said Rakesh Patel, a shopkeeper nearby. “It looked like it couldn’t climb. Then there was a huge blast.”
Only one passenger survived in the Air India plane crash. The survivor named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is a 40-year-old British national, who was sitting by an emergency exit at the time of the crash. From his hospital bed, he told reporters, “When I woke up, there were bodies everywhere. I saw fire. I jumped out of the plane. Someone helped me into an ambulance. I don’t know how I survived.”
Rescue teams rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters worked for hours to control the flames. Many of the hostel’s students died in the crash or from the fire that followed. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was visiting the area at the time.
Officials say the cause of the Air India plane crash is still under investigation. However, early reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced engine failure or other technical problems shortly after takeoff.
Experts also noted that the landing gear was still down and the flaps were not properly retracted—signs that the plane was not fully configured for flight.
A senior investigator at the crash site said, “It is highly unusual for a plane to be in that condition after takeoff. We are checking for mechanical failure or pilot error.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement, “This tragedy is heartbreaking beyond words. My prayers are with all the families affected.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed sorrow, saying, “This is a terrible loss. The U.K. stands ready to assist in any way.”
The Air India plane crash is said to be the deadliest aviation accident in India in over a decade.
According to reports, a full investigation is underway involving Indian authorities, Boeing, and international aviation experts.
With news wires..
