AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A devastating plane crash rocked Ahmedabad today, as an Air India passenger flight en route to London went down shortly after takeoff, slamming into a doctors’ hostel. The incident, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has left more than 200 people feared dead, with grim reports emerging from the scene.
Flight AI242, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad when tragedy struck. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft lose altitude rapidly before impacting a nearby hostel for medical students and doctors. Images from the scene show the tail section of the plane protruding from the damaged building, indicative of the force of the collision.
While a definitive casualty count is still being established, a city police commissioner informed The Associated Press that there appear to be no survivors from the aircraft. However, Air India’s CEO has stated that some injured passengers have been transported to local hospitals, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. A doctors’ group has also reported that at least four students staying at the hostel are currently missing following the crash.
This marks the first major incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model widely used by airlines globally. Boeing has released a statement expressing its readiness to support Air India in the ongoing investigation.
Air India, while having made significant strides in safety and infrastructure improvements in recent years, has experienced a few high-profile accidents in its history. This latest incident is expected to reignite scrutiny over aviation safety standards in the region.
In a show of immediate support, Tata Group, the owner of Air India, has pledged ₹1 crore ($116,868 USD) to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash. The conglomerate also committed to covering the medical expenses of those injured and assisting in the rebuilding of the B.J. Medical College hostel, which bore the brunt of the impact. Tata Group reacquired Air India in 2022, marking a historic return of the airline to its original owners after decades of nationalization.
Rescue and recovery efforts are underway, with emergency services working tirelessly at the crash site. The focus remains on identifying victims, providing aid to the injured, and investigating the cause of this horrific accident. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
