At least 204 dead in Air India crash in Ahmedabad
Authorities in Ahmedabad have confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of Air India Flight 171, which crashed on Thursday.
The city’s police chief provided the latest update as rescue operations continue at the crash site, reports AL Jazeera.
An Air India flight headed to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, with more than 240 passengers and crew on board, reports AP.
The aircraft, flight AI 171 — a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — crashed into a residential area near the airport just five minutes after departing at 1:38 p.m. local time. The plane was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, the airline confirmed.
Local TV footage showed heavy smoke rising from the crash site. Authorities are still working to determine the number of casualties. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik said there appeared to be no survivors and indicated that residents on the ground may have also been killed.
U.S. Offers to Assist in Investigation
The U.S. government said it is ready to send investigators if requested by Indian authorities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the U.S. response, supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Indian Army and Emergency Response
The Indian army deployed 130 personnel, including medical teams, to assist civil authorities with debris clearance and emergency medical support. A military hospital in Ahmedabad has been placed on standby.
Support Efforts Underway
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said an emergency center and family support team have been set up to assist those affected. "Our thoughts are with all the passengers, crew, and their loved ones," he said.
Gatwick Airport in London also announced that it was coordinating with Air India and has established a reception center for relatives of those onboard.
International Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "heartbreaking beyond words" and said he is closely monitoring the rescue and relief efforts. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating,” noting that many British nationals were on the flight. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed condolences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his sympathies to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, offering support to victims' families.
Aviation Safety Observations
Professor John McDermid, a safety engineering expert from the University of York, noted that the crash occurred during one of the most vulnerable phases of flight — takeoff. He pointed out that the aircraft had not climbed beyond 200 meters, suggesting a sudden and severe failure.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, said it is in contact with Air India and is ready to provide full support. The 787 model has not previously been involved in a crash, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
Market Impact and Background
The incident comes just days before the Paris Air Show. Boeing shares dropped by as much as 9% in pre-market trading following the news. The company is still recovering from two earlier 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that led to the deaths of 346 people combined.
Previous Crashes in India
The last major commercial airline accident in India occurred in August 2020, when an Air India Express flight skidded off the runway in Kozhikode, killing 21 people. India’s deadliest air disaster happened in 1996, when two planes collided midair over Haryana, claiming 349 lives.
Foreign Ministry Statement
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said he was "deeply shocked" by the crash and extended prayers to the victims and their families.