In a devastating turn of events, Air India Flight AI171, heading from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff Wednesday morning. Sadly, at least 204 people lost their lives in the Air India Flight crash. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed near Ahmedabad airport. It burst into flames in a populated area.
This is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft known for its good safety record. This crash marks a tragic milestone in aviation safety.
One Survivor Found
Ramesh Vishwaskumar, a British-Indian passenger, is the only known survivor. He is currently in the hospital. Rescue teams are searching through the wreckage of the Air India Flight crash. They’ve recovered bodies of passengers and locals. Tragically, several students from a nearby college hostel were also affected by the crash.
Mayday Call Before Impact
Aviation officials say the plane issued a mayday call just after takeoff. Shortly after, it lost contact with Air Traffic Control during the crash. The aircraft went down in a residential area, causing a huge fire. Witnesses described a massive explosion and chaotic scenes. The emergency services arrived swiftly.
Aircraft History
The aircraft, registered VT-ANB, had flown over 41,000 hours and was one of the first Dreamliners delivered to Air India. This is now the deadliest aviation accident in India in over ten years.
Investigation Begins
India’s DGCA, the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Boeing, and GE Aerospace have started a full investigation into the Air India Flight crashes. Boeing has acknowledged the crash and is cooperating fully.
Compensation and Support
The Tata Group, Air India’s owner, has announced ₹1 crore in compensation for each victim’s family. They will cover all medical costs from the Air India Flight crash. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK PM Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Pope Leo XIV have all offered their condolences. The US government is providing technical support for the investigation.
