AHMEDABAD — In a devastating air disaster that has shaken the world, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing more than 290 people. Authorities have called it the deadliest aviation tragedy in over a decade.
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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, had barely left the runway when it slammed into a medical college hostel during lunch hour, setting off a massive blaze and claiming lives on the ground as well. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
So far, only one confirmed survivor has emerged 40 year old Ramesh Viswashkumar, who had been seated in 11A, right beside an emergency exit. From his hospital bed, he described the horrifying moments after takeoff. “There was this loud bang, and then we went down. It all happened so fast,” he said. “I stood up, there were bodies everywhere. Someone pulled me out and rushed me to the hospital.”
He’s still searching for his brother, Ajay, who was on the same flight. “I don’t know where he is. Please, help me find him,” he pleaded.
Local police and rescue teams are sifting through the wreckage, much of which is still scattered around the hostel. The plane’s tail section was seen lodged atop the building’s remains. The hostel, home to dozens of students, was bustling with activity when the crash occurred. Some were killed, while others were injured jumping from windows to escape the flames.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was considered one of the safest models in commercial aviation. It had been in service since 2014. Aviation authorities say the plane issued a Mayday call minutes after takeoff at 1:39 p.m. local time, but then went silent.
One detail troubling investigators: footage suggests the landing gear was still down during ascent something experts say is highly unusual. “It looked more like a landing than a takeoff,” noted aviation analyst Anthony Brickhouse.
Boeing and GE Aerospace, the plane’s engine manufacturer, are sending teams to investigate. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will also join the probe, alongside Indian authorities.
The crash has sent shockwaves across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “devastating.” King Charles is also being kept updated.
The Ahmedabad airport briefly suspended operations but has since resumed limited flights. This marks the first fatal crash in India since 2020. Air India, now under Tata Group ownership and merged with Vistara, faces a long road ahead as investigations unfold and grieving families seek answers.