One survivor after London-bound plane with 242 on board crashes in India

Tragedy struck Thursday afternoon as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing at least 241 of the 242 people on board.

The aircraft, operating Flight 171, smashed into a densely populated residential area near the airport, destroying buildings housing medical professionals and their families. At least one section of the plane landed on a student canteen, and another half struck a doctors’ residential block, leaving a devastating trail of fire, wreckage, and human loss.

Rescue operations have been ongoing since the crash, with authorities confirming one known survivor, who has been hospitalized. City police commissioner G.S. Malik said 204 bodies have been recovered so far, with many others injured in the surrounding area.

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a statement mourning the crash.

Eyewitness Accounts of Horror

A local doctor named Krishna, who helped in rescue efforts, described the impact site as “a scene of total devastation.”

“We pulled out around 15 students from the canteen. I saw 15 to 20 badly burned bodies myself,” he told AFP.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported seeing the back of the aircraft hanging precariously off a building while thick black smoke billowed overhead. Medics were seen loading charred bodies into ambulances, while stunned residents and firefighters worked in the wreckage.

“When we reached the spot, several bodies were lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,” said Poonam Patni, a resident. “Many of the bodies were burned.”

Breakdown of Passengers

According to Air India, the plane was carrying 242 people, including:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British citizens

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian

• 10 cabin crew and 2 pilots

Global Response and Mourning

The crash triggered reactions across the world. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “devastating,” while King Charles III said he was “desperately shocked.”

India’s civil aviation authority said the aircraft issued a mayday signal moments after takeoff before plummeting into the neighborhood near Ghoda Camp. All flights at Ahmedabad Airport have since been suspended.

Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, confirmed it is in contact with Air India and has offered support. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch have dispatched teams to assist the investigation.

Aviation experts have urged caution against early speculation.

“The most probable cause for a crash immediately after takeoff would be a double engine failure, potentially due to a bird strike,” said Jason Knight, a senior lecturer in fluid mechanics at the University of Portsmouth.

Compensation and Support

Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, announced financial support of ₹10 million ($117,000) to the families of each deceased passenger. Medical costs for the injured will also be covered.

An emergency response center has been established to assist families of the victims, while recovery efforts and investigations continue.