The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals, including passengers and crew members, as well as fatalities on the ground. As investigations begin, one passenger's survival provides a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
Tragic Air India Crash Leaves 241 Dead, One Survivor Emerges from Wreckage
Tragic Air India Crash Leaves 241 Dead, One Survivor Emerges from Wreckage
An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashes shortly after take-off, claiming numerous lives but sparking hope with one miraculous survival.
An Air India flight traveling from Ahmedabad to London met a catastrophic fate on Thursday, crashing within moments of take-off and claiming the lives of at least 241 individuals, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM local time, tragically plummeted into a residential area, striking a complex housing a hospital and a medical student hostel.
In a remarkable turn of events, one passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, managed to survive, emerging from the wreckage and limping towards an ambulance, all while smoke billowed ominously nearby. Eyewitness accounts reveal a loud noise just thirty seconds after take-off, followed by a swift descent into chaos. Ramesh told local media he was baffled by his survival and attempted to contact his family, though he remains unaware of the fate of his brother, who was also on board.
As rescue teams continue to assess the situation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words." Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise, making this one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India's history.
The flight was packed with 230 passengers, including a diverse demographic comprised of 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, and several others from different countries. As the operation to recover bodies continues, 204 have been retrieved thus far, but there is uncertainty about how many were on the plane versus those on the ground.
In a shocking testament to the crash's severity, parts of the aircraft were found embedded in buildings, with chaotic scenes unfolding around the crash site. Witnesses to the devastation, including hospital officials, reported that the plane hit the student hostel where many were present during lunchtime, resulting in significant casualties among students.
Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, announced it would provide substantial financial support to the families of the deceased, and leaders from Canada and the UK have expressed their solidarity with the bereaved. Investigations are currently underway, with both US and British authorities pledging their support to Indian safety regulators as they seek answers about the crash's cause.
