Ahmedabad, India — Tragedy struck shortly after takeoff when an Air India flight crashed, resulting in the loss of 241 lives. Initial reports indicated that only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the harrowing incident involving Flight AI171, which was headed for London Gatwick Airport.
The plane, a Boeing 787-8, took off from Ahmedabad at approximately 4 a.m. local time, quickly climbing to an altitude of about 625 feet before it abruptly lost altitude at a rate of nearly 475 feet per minute. Rescuers were dispatched immediately to the crash site, with local officials indicating the possibility of additional casualties among those in the vicinity of the disaster.
Air India’s chief executive, Campbell Wilson, confirmed that an unspecified number of injured individuals were transported to regional hospitals. The airline is coordinating closely with local authorities to manage emergency response efforts. Reports indicated that at least 50 medical students were among those injured as part of the debris struck B.J. Medical College, with one fatality reported from that collision.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau leading the inquiry. The Federal Aviation Administration stated that it would provide support as needed, with the National Transportation Safety Board ready to send a team to assist in the investigation. Boeing has also expressed its readiness to assist Air India and the investigative teams.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow and shock over the crash, stating that rescue teams are mobilized, and every effort is being made to ensure medical aid reaches those affected swiftly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences on social media, acknowledging the tragedy’s heartbreaking nature and emphasizing support for the victims’ families.
International leaders also reacted with shock and grief. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes from Ahmedabad as devastating, particularly given the significant number of British nationals on the flight. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro extended his condolences to the victims’ families, highlighting that several Portuguese citizens were aboard the plane.
The emotional aftermath of the crash reverberated throughout the aviation community, as Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekar expressed “profound sorrow” and stressed the airline’s commitment to supporting those affected. Meanwhile, Boeing shares experienced a sharp decline in early trading as news of the crash emerged, reflecting investor concerns over the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on providing assistance to the victims’ families and ensuring that the causes of the crash are thoroughly understood and addressed.