A catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 people on board. In a miraculous turn of events, one passenger survived the deadly crash.
The ill-fated aircraft, carrying a total of 242 individuals including 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew members — plunged into a densely populated residential neighborhood, narrowly missing a nearby medical hostel and canteen. The impact caused widespread destruction on the ground, prompting an urgent and large-scale rescue operation.
Passenger Manifest: Multiple Nationalities Aboard
Air India confirmed that the passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The crash has triggered grief and emergency responses in several countries as families await confirmation of their loved ones' fates.
A Miraculous Survival
In a remarkable development, officials reported that one passenger survived the crash. Preliminary reports identified the individual as Ramesh Viswashkumar, a 38-year-old British national who was seated in seat 11A. According to eyewitness accounts and rescue teams, the survivor reportedly leapt from an emergency exit just seconds before the aircraft exploded.
However, authorities have not yet officially confirmed the survivor's identity, citing ongoing verification procedures. The survivor is currently hospitalized in a secure location, receiving intensive medical care. Emergency responders have described his escape as nothing short of a miracle.
Rescue and Identification Efforts Ongoing
Rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local emergency services, continue to search through the wreckage. So far, over 200 bodies have been recovered, with many charred beyond recognition. DNA analysis is being employed to assist in the identification process.
Government and Corporate Response
India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are overseeing coordination of the emergency response. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited the crash site and described the scene as "deeply distressing," expressing condolences to the victims' families and promising a thorough investigation.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has pledged ₹1 crore (10 million rupees) in compensation to the families of each deceased passenger. In addition, a dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) has been set up to assist families in locating and receiving information about their relatives.
Investigations Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with aviation safety experts, has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Black box recovery efforts are underway to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred during the aircraft’s initial climb a phase of flight known for its vulnerability to mechanical failures and operational errors.
International aviation authorities, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority, are expected to participate in the investigation, given the number of foreign nationals aboard.
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. More updates will follow as authorities release further information.
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