Ahmedabad: In a major update on the Air India crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad police commissioner told Reuters on Thursday that 204 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the London-bound AI-171 flight, while adding that the possibility of survivors has not been ruled out yet.
The tragic incident occurred five minutes after take-off, when the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar, igniting fires and causing widespread devastation. Eyewitness videos posted on social media show dense plumes of smoke billowing over the crash site.
Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Reports also suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been among the passengers, though this remains unconfirmed.
In a glimmer of hope, one British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been confirmed as a survivor and is receiving treatment at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. Vishwash was travelling with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who remains unaccounted for.
“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me,” Vishwash told Hindustan Times, adding that he still cannot locate his brother.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and directed emergency rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah are en route to Ahmedabad to assess the crisis firsthand.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Key Updates
- Air India flight AI-171 crashed five minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport.
- Total on board: 242 (230 passengers + 12 crew)
- 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian
- 204 bodies recovered so far, per Ahmedabad police
- Survivors not ruled out, one British national confirmed as alive
- Hotline Numbers for assistance:
- Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
- Air India Passenger Helpline: 1800 5691 444
- Ahmedabad City Police: 07925620359
- Airport Operations: Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have resumed after temporary suspension
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full investigation, and more details are awaited as the rescue efforts and probe continue.