Police have revealed that there are "no survivors" after an Air India flight bound for the UK carrying over 240 people crashed into a residential area.
A devastating air disaster has unfolded in India after an Air India jetliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport plunged into a residential neighborhood just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12) afternoon.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s transponder signal vanished less than a minute after takeoff, at just 625 feet above the ground.
The aircraft smashed into a doctors' hostel in the suburb of Meghani Nagar, turning buildings into rubble and engulfing the crash site in a towering fireball visible for miles.
Graphic video footage circulating on social media captured the aircraft flying low over the city before slamming into the ground and erupting into flames. Black smoke billowed skyward as panicked residents fled through the streets.
Authorities have disclosed that more than 100 bodies have been taken to the hospital. City police commissioner GS Malik also added that “there appeared to be no survivors," per The Telegraph.
Mobile phone videos and eyewitnesses paint a terrifying scene. Raju Prajapati, who lives just a few hundred meters from the crash site, told the outlet: “We heard a huge explosion and rushed out of our homes. There were thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. People were shouting and running in all directions.”
The scene was described as apocalyptic, with plane debris protruding from buildings and scattered across the street.
At least 30 bodies have been pulled from the collapsed hostel alone, according to Sky News. Some people in the surrounding structures were rescued alive and rushed to the hospital, but none are believed to have been passengers.
Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, according to Air India.
“The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft,” the airline confirmed. “The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.”
The flight's pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, was described as highly experienced, with more than 8,200 hours of flight time.
Authorities confirmed the aircraft issued a mayday distress signal before the crash, but air traffic control received no further communication after the emergency call.
This tragedy marks the first crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered service 14 years ago.
Boeing, already under scrutiny for past crashes involving other aircraft models, has not issued a statement yet. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Reactions poured in from across the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed the grief, stating: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
King Charles is also being kept informed of the unfolding situation.
All outgoing flights from Ahmedabad’s international airport have been suspended until further notice.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.