The tragic incident occurred Thursday as Air India Flight AI171, carrying 230 passengers along with 12 crew members, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time. The flight was destined for London Gatwick Airport and was due to arrive at 18:25 BST. However, just moments into the flight, disaster struck when the aircraft lost contact and crashed into a nearby medical complex, leading to substantial casualties on the ground.
Harrowing reports indicate that the plane plummeted into several buildings, including a hostel for medical students, during lunchtime. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes with debris scattered widely and significant damage to the structures hit. Among the injured are numerous students who were present during the incident.
The sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national, was filmed escaping towards an ambulance amidst billowing smoke. He reported a terrifying noise followed by a rapid descent shortly after takeoff. Unfortunately, the fate of his brother, who was also on the flight, remains uncertain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies, referring to the event as "heartbreaking beyond words." Investigation teams from both the United States and the United Kingdom will assist Indian authorities in determining the cause of the crash.
In a show of support, Tata Group, which owns Air India, promised compensation of one crore rupees (approximately £86,000) to the families of each victim.
The incident marks a historic tragedy for modern aviation, as it is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Authorities have cautioned that the death toll may rise, indicating that this catastrophic event will have far-reaching implications for air travel safety in the region.
Harrowing reports indicate that the plane plummeted into several buildings, including a hostel for medical students, during lunchtime. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes with debris scattered widely and significant damage to the structures hit. Among the injured are numerous students who were present during the incident.
The sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national, was filmed escaping towards an ambulance amidst billowing smoke. He reported a terrifying noise followed by a rapid descent shortly after takeoff. Unfortunately, the fate of his brother, who was also on the flight, remains uncertain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies, referring to the event as "heartbreaking beyond words." Investigation teams from both the United States and the United Kingdom will assist Indian authorities in determining the cause of the crash.
In a show of support, Tata Group, which owns Air India, promised compensation of one crore rupees (approximately £86,000) to the families of each victim.
The incident marks a historic tragedy for modern aviation, as it is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Authorities have cautioned that the death toll may rise, indicating that this catastrophic event will have far-reaching implications for air travel safety in the region.
