In a tragic incident, more than 290 people lost their lives when an Air India passenger plane crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The aircraft, enroute to Gatwick Airport in London, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all but one known survivor.
Details of the Crash and Victim Breakdown
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. According to reports from Air India, the crash also claimed the lives of several individuals on the ground, as the aircraft crashed into a hostel at B.J. Medical College during lunch hour.
The crash occurred just 30 seconds after takeoff, with Ramesh Viswashkumar, the only known survivor, recounting hearing a loud noise shortly before the plane went down. Viswashkumar, who was seated in 11A, said, “It all happened so quickly. When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane everywhere.” He also revealed that his brother, Ajay, was on the plane but is still unaccounted for.
The crash left behind a scene of devastation, with 204 bodies recovered from the crash site. Authorities have yet to confirm the full list of victims. Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police officer, stated that DNA samples from relatives are being taken to help identify the deceased.
Efforts to Determine Cause and Provide Aid
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities from both India and Britain working together to uncover the cause. Boeing and GE Aerospace have sent teams to India to assist with the investigation and analyze cockpit data. The US National Transportation Safety Board has also dispatched a team to help.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also offered his condolences, stating the images of the crash were “devastating.”
In a show of support, Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, announced it would provide 10 million rupees (approximately $117,000) to the families of each of the deceased. Additionally, the company will cover all medical expenses for the injured and assist in rebuilding the medical college hostel.
About Air India
Air India, once a state-owned carrier, was taken over by Tata Group in 2022. The airline has since undergone significant restructuring, including its merger with Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore Airlines.
