Tragedy Strikes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad
An Air India flight headed to London crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad shortly after departure on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard and further casualties on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down about 1.5 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Officials confirmed a single survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who escaped with non–life-threatening injuries.
Victims and Ground Impact
Air India said the victims included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. Part of the aircraft fell onto a dining facility at a medical college, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50 others. A local hospital has received 186 bodies so far. The tragedy marks one of the worst india plane crash disasters in decades.
- Passenger details: 242 people onboard; one survivor identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh.
- Ground casualties: At least five medical students killed; nearly 50 injured when debris struck the dining facility.
- Recovery efforts: Local teams retrieved bodies and treated the injured; investigators secured debris and the crash site in ahmedabad.
The Lone Survivor’s Ordeal
Vishwashkumar Ramesh reportedly walked away from the wreckage with multiple injuries but “seems to be out of danger,” according to Dr. Dhaval Gameti. He was disoriented and sustained wounds across his body. His survival amid such a devastating airplane crash has drawn widespread attention, but investigators are focusing first on understanding what caused this air india plane crash.
Aircraft and Crew Details
The flight involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the first fatal crash of a 787 since its commercial entry in 2011. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, with more than 9,000 combined flying hours, were at the controls. The jet departed Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time carrying nearly 100 tonnes of fuel, nearly a full load for the long-haul journey to London.
- Aircraft type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a widebody, twin-engine airliner.
- Crew experience: Captain and co-pilot highly experienced; over 22 years of expertise for the captain.
- Fuel load: Approximately 100 tonnes of fuel at takeoff.
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Sequence of Events and Initial Observations
Almost immediately after takeoff, the cockpit issued a mayday call. No further communication followed. A video shows the plane with its nose pointed upward, then sinking and crashing in a huge fireball. Final transmitted data indicated the aircraft reached about 625 ft (190 m) before descending into a residential area near the runway.
- Takeoff and mayday: Jet climbed but struggled; mayday call origin unclear.
- Video evidence: Footage authenticated by BBC Verify shows low flight over a residential neighborhood, then a rapid descent and explosion.
- Crash site: Wreckage struck housing blocks close to hospitals and official buildings, compounding the tragedy.
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Possible Causes Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. An international probe involving Indian, US and UK experts will analyze the black box data and debris. Aviation specialists note the moments after takeoff can be especially challenging.
- Engine performance: Witnesses, including the lone survivor, reported hearing a loud bang as the plane struggled to gain altitude.
- Speculation of double engine failure: Some pilots mention the rarity but possibility of both engines failing, or issues preventing proper thrust.
- Emergency systems: Investigators will check if the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed, which provides backup power when main engines fail.
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Implications for Boeing and Aviation Safety
This marks the first fatal 787 crash in 16 years of operation. Boeing stock and the wider boeing 787 program will come under scrutiny, though analysts like Richard Aboulafia suggest limited long-term impact given the 787’s safety record. The US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged swift action if safety concerns emerge. A U.S. team, including NTSB and FAA experts, along with Boeing and engine manufacturers, is en route to assist with the probe.
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Broader Context: Plane Crashes and Public Confidence
The air india flight disaster renews concerns about flight safety even as statistics show air travel remains the safest mode of transport. Recent incidents worldwide—including a midair collision in the U.S. killing 67 and a major South Korean crash killing 179—have unsettled travelers. Indian authorities and aviation regulators emphasize thorough investigation to restore confidence, especially after one of the worst indian plane crash events in years.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Investigators will examine the black box, review maintenance records, crew actions and air traffic control data. They aim to determine why the aircraft could not sustain climb performance after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Findings will guide safety recommendations for Air India flight operations, boeing crash prevention strategies, and broader aviation protocols in india and beyond.
Remembering the Victims and Supporting Survivors
As the aviation community awaits definitive answers, focus remains on honoring those lost and assisting the lone survivor. India’s Home Affairs Minister and other officials have expressed condolences to families of passengers and victims on the ground. Local hospitals continue to care for injured medical students and residents affected by the crash.
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