Rescuers have found one survivor in seat 11A of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed with 242 people onboard immediately after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
According to reports, the lone survivor has been taken to the hospital and is under treatment.
In a cell phone video that is being circulated online, the passenger was seen walking with a limp, indicating a leg injury. His clothes had blood stains and smudges of soot.
“The police found one survivor in seat 11A,” Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The person has been identified as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian who was returning to the UK after a visit.
The toll may likely go up as the London-bound plane crashed in a residential area, reports said.
AI171, carrying 242 people, went down within five minutes of departure at 1:38 PM, sending up plumes of smoke near the crash site.
It hit a medical college hostel, leaving five students dead as well.
The flight carried 169 Indian passengers, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
Dense smoke was seen rising from the Dharpur area near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad, prompting the immediate deployment of fire brigades and emergency response units. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash.
A video of the aircraft showed it was struggling to gain altitude before it slammed on the ground and exploded in a massive ball of fire at 1.38 pm. It was loaded with fuel since it was flying a long distance to London.
Shortly after take-off, the pilot sent out a mayday call. There was no response after that to repeated calls from the air traffic controller, according to reports.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu posted on X, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Emergency services, including fire brigades, rushed to the scene. Three NDRF teams with 90 personnel were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with additional teams have been also sent from Vadodara.
Air India confirms crash
In a statement, Air India said, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
“The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued its first official confirmation of the crash. Group chairperson N Chandrasekaran expressed grief over the tragedy:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He added that the company’s immediate priority was supporting the victims and their families. “An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran said.
