A devastating plane crash occurred in Ahmedabad, located in India’s Gujarat state, when an Air India passenger aircraft carrying 242 people crashed into a residential area. Only one person survived, while reports indicate that the death toll has exceeded 265. Debris from the aircraft reportedly struck a student dormitory housing medical interns.
Crashed Minutes After Takeoff
Flight “Air India 171” took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at 13:38 local time.
According to a statement from Air India, the aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, totaling 242 individuals. The airline confirmed that 241 people died in the crash, with the sole survivor currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The Only Survivor: Ramesh Viswashkumar
Thirty-eight-year-old Ramesh Viswashkumar was the only person to miraculously survive the crash. He was seated near emergency exit 11A, and footage circulating on social media shows him walking unaided to an ambulance after the accident.
Debris Fell on Student Dormitory
Initial reports indicate that parts of the plane landed on a dormitory housing medical interns. Deputy Commissioner Kanan Desai told the press, “The number of bodies brought to the hospital currently stands at 265.” Many of the victims were students living in the dormitory and their family members.
International Investigation Launched
The Indian government announced a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Given its international scope, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Boeing representatives have joined the inquiry.
One major development in the investigation is the recovery of one of the aircraft’s two black boxes. Authorities said the data will be quickly analysed to determine the cause of the crash.
Modi: “Heartbreaking Beyond Words”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with the sole survivor. In a statement, he described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words.”
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