Ahmedabad, India – An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport crashed into a medical college hostel moments after takeoff on Thursday, killing at least 265 people, according to local police. This tragedy ranks as the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.
The flight, AI171, carried 242 people on board, including 217 adults, 11 children and two infants. Only one passenger survived: a British national of Indian origin, seated in 11A near an emergency exit. He is receiving treatment in a local hospital.
“Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed,” said the sole survivor from his hospital bed. “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran.”
Pieces of the fuselage lay scattered across the hostel courtyard, and the tail section remains lodged atop the building. Officials estimate the death toll includes both passengers and residents on the ground, with 265 bodies recovered so far, says Vidhi Chaudhary, state police officer.
Emergency crews raced to the site during lunch hour, when students and staff were inside the hostel. Authorities have asked relatives to provide DNA samples for identification, as the scale of the destruction has made visual ID difficult.
Ahmedabad police chief G.S. Malik noted that the recovered bodies likely include both passengers and people in the building at the time of impact. The former chief minister of Gujarat state, Vijay Rupani, was among those confirmed killed.
Global Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident raises questions about aircraft safety protocols and emergency responses. For many young travelers and business professionals, the Dreamliner had become a symbol of modern aviation innovation. Now, airlines and regulators worldwide are expected to review takeoff procedures and emergency preparedness.
Community Response
Local residents and digital nomads frequenting Ahmedabad's historic city center watched in shock. Social media platforms filled with videos of the wreckage, as users across G20 nations expressed solidarity. Relief organizations are mobilizing to support survivors and families, while the airline has set up a hotline for inquiries.
Looking Ahead
As investigators probe the cause – focusing on the loud noise reported before the crash – experts emphasize the importance of transparency and real-time data sharing. This disaster underscores the need for continuous improvement in aviation safety for global citizens on the move.
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Air India Dreamliner crashes into college hostel, over 265 killed
cgtn.com
