An Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed on Thursday morning during takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The plane was carrying 244 people, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members.
According to initial reports confirmed by Indian aviation authorities and the airline itself, the aircraft was headed straight for London. A few seconds after takeoff, the plane suffered a sudden malfunction and lost control, crashing on the outskirts of the airport runway. Emergency crews responded immediately and reached the scene within minutes.
Initially, police said there were no survivors from the crash. However, in the afternoon, authorities confirmed that one passenger had escaped. The sole survivor of the tragedy was taken to hospital in critical condition. His identity has not yet been released.
According to preliminary information from rescue teams and witnesses, the survivor was sitting near the left wing of the plane, close to the emergency exits. This position helped him to get out of the wreckage more quickly after the crash and escape the flames that engulfed the cabin. He was found conscious, but with multiple injuries.
Nationality of passengers
According to information provided by the airline, there were: 169 Indian citizens, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese.
The names and official lists of passengers are expected to be published by the authorities in the coming days.
Investigations and possible causes
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The Indian Civil Aviation Authority has set up an investigation team to examine all the circumstances of the incident. Experts are investigating several possible clues, including: a technical defect in the engine, a possible overload of the aircraft, or human error on the part of the pilot.
Air India officials said the plane was in good technical condition and had passed routine inspections a few days ago.
The incident has shocked public opinion in India and abroad. Relatives of the passengers have gathered near the airport awaiting official information, while authorities have set up an emergency line to provide psychological help and support to them.
India's Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a swift and transparent investigation. Air India has temporarily suspended all flights from Ahmedabad to Europe until the cause of the accident is clarified.
