In the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, not only did the passengers aboard the ill-fated flight lose their lives, but several residents living in the nearby residential area also died.
More than 50 people have been injured and are currently being treated at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
265 Confirmed Dead in Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
The crash of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner has claimed at least 265 lives, according to police reports. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Kanan Desai confirmed that 265 bodies have been brought to the city’s civil hospital.
The aircraft had 242 passengers onboard, including crew members. The crash occurred immediately after take-off, when the aircraft veered towards the hostels of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital. The bodies recovered are severely mutilated, making identification extremely difficult. Authorities have announced that DNA testing will be used for proper identification.Casualties Include Local Students in Meghani Nagar
Air India has confirmed that 241 deaths occurred as per the airline’s internal report. The lone survivor is a man named Ramesh Kumar Vishwas. According to Police Commissioner Vidya Chaudhary, hostel students were also among the casualties, further increasing the death toll. At least 50 students have been injured.
Witnesses Describe Scenes of Fire, Smoke, and Destruction
Eyewitnesses recounted horrifying scenes, saying that once the plane crashed, it turned into ash instantly. A huge cloud of black smoke rose into the air, and flames could be seen from a distance.
Several shocking visuals of the tragedy have gone viral on social media. Some videos reportedly show mutilated human remains.
Key Developments After the Crash
1. Investigation Underway: AAIB, U.S., and U.K. Involved
The Indian government has assigned the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to lead the probe. Both the U.S. and U.K. have sent investigative teams to assist.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting that included Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and other key ministers.
Shah assured families that DNA samples will be collected and used for identification, and that bodies will be delivered to the families respectfully.
2. Compensation Announced by Tata Group
Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the deceased.
The passengers included:
- 169 Indian citizens
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian citizen
Among the deceased is former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani.
3. Reactions from Global Leaders
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and dispatched a British investigative team to Ahmedabad.
- U.S. President Donald Trump called the incident one of the worst aviation tragedies in recent history.
DNA Testing & Identification Process
Due to the severity of the fire and damage, most bodies are unrecognizable. Authorities have set up rapid DNA collection stations at the Civil Hospital and Disaster Relief Center. Forensic experts from Delhi and Mumbai have also arrived to assist.
Families of victims are being asked to provide DNA samples and dental records to help with identification. The entire process is expected to take up to two weeks, after which cremations or burials will be arranged.
Survivor’s Statement: “I Thought I Was Dead”
Ramesh Kumar Vishwas, the lone survivor, told media and PM Modi:
“When I opened my eyes, I thought I was dead. Everything was burning. I couldn’t breathe. Someone pulled me from the wreckage. I don’t know how I survived.”
He is currently in ICU, suffering from burn injuries and shock. Psychiatrists have also been deployed to help him cope with trauma.
Reopening of Ahmedabad Airport
Following temporary closure, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed limited flight operations. Special security and engineering teams have been deployed to ensure safety.
International & Political Fallout
- The aviation crisis has now taken a global diplomatic turn, as foreign nationals are involved.
- International media is closely tracking the investigation, and pressure on Boeing has increased due to recurring incidents.
- Parliament is expected to hold an emergency session to discuss aviation safety protocols.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said: “We won’t rest until every reason for this crash is brought to light.”
The Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad is now considered one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.
With 265 lives lost, the aftermath has been emotional, political, and international.
Families await answers, the lone survivor clings to life, and a nation mourns.
