Air Disaster Strikes as Plane with Over 240 Onboard Goes Downn

Crash After Takeoff

The international flight — bound for London’s Gatwick Airport — took off at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time but lost altitude moments later. It plunged into a hostel block of the B.J. Medical College in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area near the airport, engulfing buildings in a massive fireball fueled by a heavy load of jet fuel. (Wikipedia)

Emergency response teams, including fire crews, police, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene, but the scale of destruction and blazing fuel made immediate rescue efforts extremely challenging. (mint)

Casualties and Survivor

According to official figures:

• 241 of the 242 people onboard — passengers and crew — are confirmed dead, with one survivor hospitalized and in critical care. (mint)
• Onboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including nationals from India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada. (Wikipedia)

The lone survivor — a British national of Indian origin — described escaping from his seat near an emergency exit and navigating through debris after the impact. (News24)

Impact Beyond the Aircraft

The crash did not only take its toll in the air. Preliminary reports indicate that additional fatalities and injuries occurred on the ground, as the aircraft slammed into a hostel occupied by students and staff. (Wikipedia)

DNA testing is underway to identify victims, and authorities have begun handing over remains to families. Support teams have been deployed across hospitals and mortuaries to assist with identification and provide psychological support to the bereaved. (The New Indian Express)

Government and Airline Response

India’s Prime Minister and senior officials visited the crash site and nearby hospitals, offering condolences and ordering round-the-clock rescue and relief operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. (The Times of India)

Air India confirmed cooperation with investigators and has activated dedicated hotlines for families seeking information. (mint)