London-Bound Plane Carrying 242 People Crashes After Take-Off In India
Devastation struck India on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing dozens and injuring many more.
Flight AI171, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, went down moments after takeoff, crashing into a medical college campus and colliding with a dining hall packed with students. According to Dr. Minakshi Parikh, dean of the college, at least five students were killed on-site. The plane also struck a doctors’ hostel, triggering a massive rescue operation amid smoke, fire, and mangled wreckage.
Authorities confirmed the plane was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. India’s Health Minister reported that “many lives” had been lost and said rescue teams were “working tirelessly” to pull survivors from the debris. So far, at least 30 bodies have been recovered, with many more feared trapped.
Ahmedabad airport immediately suspended all operations. Emergency crews, aided by military units and firefighters, scrambled to search the crash zone, much of which had been cleared by Thursday morning.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the presence of British nationals among the victims, stating that crisis response teams had been deployed in both London and New Delhi.
“We are supporting affected families with the utmost urgency,” Lammy said during an address to Parliament.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating,” offering condolences and pledging full government support.
“My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he said.
House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell added that UK authorities would work closely with their Indian counterparts to assist affected citizens.
On the Indian side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the disaster “heartbreaking beyond words.”
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected. Relief efforts are underway at the highest level,” he posted on social media.
Air India has launched a dedicated hotline — 1800 5691 444 — for families of passengers and confirmed that injured survivors are being treated in nearby hospitals. The airline pledged full cooperation with aviation and safety authorities investigating the cause of the crash.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, both nations reel from the shock of a catastrophe that has left deep scars and urgent questions in its wake.
