A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people has crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, in western India. The devastating accident occurred as Flight AI171 was en route to London Gatwick.
Authorities have now confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, though it remains unclear how many of the victims were on board the plane or were on the ground when it crashed. Local police have described the impact area as a “devastated residential zone.”
The plane was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, according to Air India.
One British passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the crash. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital, where he was visited by India’s Home Affairs Minister. Speaking to reporters, Ramesh said: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly.” He also shared an image of his boarding pass with journalists.
Tracking service Flightradar24 had earlier reported that the aircraft lost signal at just 625 feet (190 metres), mere seconds after take-off.
Footage from the scene shows thick black smoke rising over the city as rescue crews continue to sift through the wreckage. Investigations are ongoing, and an official inquiry into the cause of the crash is underway.
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