Ahmedabad, India:---In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, killing more than 200 people. The flight, AI-204, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 passengers and crew on board when it went down in a residential area near the airport.
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
The plane crashed into the dining hall of the B.J. Medical College hostel during lunch hour, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Among the deceased were passengers, medical students, and local residents. Police Chief G.S. Malik confirmed that 204 bodies had been recovered, while over 50 injured individuals are being treated in hospitals. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
One survivor, Ramesh Viswashkumar, who was seated in 11A, recounted the horrifying moments after the crash. “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise, and then the plane crashed. When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran,” he said from his hospital bed. His brother, who was traveling with him, remains unaccounted for.
The crash site was a scene of devastation, with parts of the aircraft scattered across the area. The tail of the plane was lodged on top of the hostel building, and the surrounding residential quarters were severely damaged. Relatives of the victims have been asked to provide DNA samples to assist in identifying the deceased.
Victims and Nationalities
The passengers included 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. Among them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian. The crash also claimed the life of Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state where Ahmedabad is located.
Aircraft and Investigation
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service, had been in operation since 2013 and was delivered to Air India in 2014. This marks the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner model, which has been in commercial service since 2011.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft issued a Mayday call shortly after takeoff but lost contact with air traffic control moments later. Aviation experts have raised concerns about the landing gear being down during takeoff, an unusual occurrence that could indicate mechanical failure or pilot error. Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have dispatched teams to assist in the investigation.
Reactions and Support
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose home state is Gujarat, expressed his grief, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles have also been briefed on the situation, with the UK government working to support affected families.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced a compensation package of 10 million rupees ($117,000) for the families of each victim. The company has also pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured and rebuild the damaged hostel.
Impact on Aviation
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with Boeing’s shares falling 5% following the news. The incident is a significant setback for the aircraft manufacturer, which has faced scrutiny over safety and production issues in recent years.
Ahmedabad Airport, operated by the Adani Group, temporarily suspended operations but has since resumed limited flights. Gautam Adani, chairman of the group, stated that all necessary support is being extended to the rescue and recovery efforts.
A Nation in Mourning
This tragedy is a grim reminder of the risks associated with air travel, even as India emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The last fatal plane crash in India occurred in 2020, involving an Air India Express flight that overshot a runway in Kozhikode, killing 21 people.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, the nation mourns the loss of lives in this catastrophic event. The focus now shifts to uncovering the cause of the crash and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.
