Key Information Following Plane Crash Near Indian Airport Involving 242 Passengers and Crew Members
An Air India flight carrying 242 passengers and crew tragically crashed near Ahmedabad, India, with no reported survivors. The incident occurred shortly after midday local time, shortly after takeoff from the city’s airport. G.S. Malik, the police commissioner for Ahmedabad, confirmed that some local residents in the vicinity of the crash site may also have perished.
Witnesses shared shocking videos on social media, showing plumes of thick black smoke ascending from the crash site, which was situated near a residential area. Initial reports indicated that over 100 bodies had been transported to a local hospital, while rescuers on the ground managed to recover between 30 to 35 bodies from the wreckage. Eyewitness images depicted the tail of the plane lodged against a building, alongside charred debris and rescue teams actively working in the aftermath. Among the 242 individuals on board, there were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including nationals from several countries: 169 from India, 53 from the UK, one from Canada, and seven from Portugal.
The flight was en route to London, with a scheduled departure at 1:10 p.m. local time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that the tragedy was “stunning and saddening.” He extended his thoughts to those affected and pledged support for rescue and medical efforts. India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, echoed similar sentiments of shock and heartbreak while coordinating emergency services.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which transmitted its last signal just moments after takeoff. The incident has raised concerns about air safety standards in India, although serious crashes are infrequent due to strict regulations. Following the crash, shares of Boeing saw a notable decline in pre-market trading, highlighting the far-reaching implications of this tragedy. Air India, now part of the Tata Group, has activated an emergency center to assist affected families, emphasizing their commitment to family support during this harrowing time.