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Air India Jet Crashes After Takeoff, 241 Feared Dead
Tragedy in Ahmedabad: An Air India flight to London crashed after takeoff, killing over 200 people. Only one survivor reported. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down on a hostel building.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-12
Air India Jet Crashes After Takeoff, 241 Feared Dead

Ahmedabad: In what is being described as the world's deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. Authorities have confirmed that at least 204 bodies have been recovered so far.

The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area — specifically the hostel of a local medical college — during lunch hour, setting off a massive blaze and widespread panic.

Police chief GS Malik confirmed that one person survived and is undergoing medical treatment, while the rest of the passengers and possibly people on the ground are feared dead.

Survivors and Rescue Efforts

Emergency services rushed to the crash site moments after the accident. Rescue 1122, fire brigades, and police teams are still combing through the debris.

According to eyewitnesses, thick black smoke and flames engulfed the area, and visuals aired on national TV showed bodies being recovered and survivors, if any, being moved in stretchers to nearby hospitals.

Who Was On Board?

The plane was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including:

  • 169 Indians
  • 53 British nationals
  • 7 Portuguese nationals
  • 1 Canadian
  • 12 unidentified foreign nationals

Air India confirmed the aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, making this the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787, a model that had so far maintained a strong safety record despite past engine-related issues.

Mayday Signal and Crash Details

Flight data from Flightradar24 indicates that the aircraft lost signal less than a minute after taking off at 1:38 PM IST (1:18 PM PKT).

Air traffic control reports revealed that the pilot sent a Mayday distress call, but no communication followed. The plane crashed before any further instructions could be given.

DNA Identification and Investigation

Authorities are now collecting DNA samples from relatives to help identify the victims.

State Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said, “The crash site is devastating. We have cleared 70-80% of the area, but there’s still work to be done.”

A full investigation is now underway, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation experts expected to participate, given the aircraft’s global importance.

Political and Public Reaction

Expressions of grief and condolence have poured in from around the world. Indian Prime Minister and UK authorities have offered support to the victims' families, while aviation experts question how a technologically advanced plane could suffer such a catastrophic failure.

As the world watches, the focus now turns to uncovering what caused this devastating tragedy.
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