Ahmedabad- In a catastrophe that has shaken the nation to its core, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of at least 241 passengers and crew on board. The ill-fated flight, bound for London Gatwick, erupted into a fireball moments after becoming airborne on Thursday afternoon. The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has left families shattered, officials scrambling, and the nation in collective grief.
Among the 242 individuals on board were two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The passenger list included 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, in addition to a majority of Indian travelers. Miraculously, one passenger survived the inferno, making them the lone light in a day shrouded in darkness.
Hellfire in Meghaninagar: Medical Students Caught in Impact
As the aircraft descended uncontrollably, it struck the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, injuring at least 20 medical students. Flames engulfed the area, and smoke billowed across the Ahmedabad skyline, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived at the scene, described the horror with a grim tone:
“The temperature from the burning fuel was so high that there was simply no chance to save anyone,” he said, highlighting the scale of the devastation.
Civil Hospital’s trauma centre is now overwhelmed with severely charred and unidentifiable remains. DNA tests are underway to confirm the identities of the victims, Shah added.
Tragedy at Takeoff: 241 Feared Dead in Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad; Air India Responds with Emergency Measures
In the aftermath of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the airline has mobilized two emergency relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai to assist grieving families and employees. A 24×7 helpline – 1800 5691 444 – has been established to provide updates and support.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased individual, underlining their commitment to supporting those affected.
Airport Status & Ongoing Rescue Operations
While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed partial operations, flight schedules remain disrupted. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, with authorities focusing on black box data and maintenance logs. Meanwhile, rescue workers continue to comb through the wreckage for any further signs of life or evidence.
The crash is being termed one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India in recent years, drawing widespread condolences from leaders across the globe.
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