Ahmedabad, India – A devastating plane crash in India has claimed the lives of at least 290 people, including students and residents in a densely populated neighbourhood of Ahmedabad, a city in the western state of Gujarat.
The aircraft, Air India Flight 171, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. It went down shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, crashing into the hostel building of BJ Medical College and Hospital. The flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, according to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.
Among the dead were passengers as well as medical students who were staying in the hostel. Local officials say around 294 people have died, with dozens more injured and receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Police in Ahmedabad said at least one passenger, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash. He was seated in 11A and is currently hospitalised. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Ramesh recalled hearing a loud noise 30 seconds after takeoff before the plane plummeted. His brother, who was also on the flight, remains unaccounted for.
The flight manifest listed Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals among those onboard.
Back in Washington, US President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy, saying the United States is ready to assist India if needed. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the crash as “horrific” and noted he had already contacted Indian officials with an offer of support. He added that India is a strong country capable of managing the crisis.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. India’s aviation authorities are leading the probe, with support expected from the United States and the United Kingdom due to the aircraft’s American manufacturing and the destination country. The US National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to assist, while the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has also offered help.
Tata Group, the Indian conglomerate that owns Air India, has pledged ₹1 crore (approximately E2.3 million) to the families of each victim and committed to covering medical expenses for the injured. They have also offered to help rebuild the hostel that was struck.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, issued a brief statement expressing sympathy to those affected and confirmed it is in contact with Air India.
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