Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad, at least 30 dead

NN Online:
At least 30 people were killed after an Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad on Thursday, according to authorities. The toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The London-bound flight was en route to Gatwick Airport when it crashed into a residential area near the airport. Officials confirmed the aircraft struck a building housing a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College.

“Around 70 to 80 percent of the site has been cleared,” said a senior police officer. Rescue teams are working to recover those still trapped in the debris. Local media reported several medical students among the dead, as the crash struck the hostel’s dining area.

Air India confirmed that the flight carried 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants. Nationalities onboard included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.

The aircraft was identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced commercial jets. According to Flightradar24, this was the first-ever crash involving a Dreamliner. The plane first flew in 2013 and was delivered to Air India in January 2014.

Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. “We are verifying all details and will provide updates soon,” Air India said in a statement on X.

Rescue operations are ongoing amid widespread shock and mourning.