By Rehan Khan

AHMEDABAD, Thursday, June 12, 2025 (WNP): More than 200 people were killed on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, in what has become the world’s deadliest aviation disaster in a decade.

The ill-fated aircraft, carrying 242 people—including 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants—plunged into a residential area near B.J. Medical College shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. local time. It was headed to Gatwick Airport in London.

City police chief G.S. Malik confirmed that 204 bodies had been recovered, including those of passengers and residents on the ground. Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, according to Federal Minister C.R. Patil.

In a rare stroke of fortune, at least one person survived. Ramesh Viswashkumar, seated in 11A, recounted from his hospital bed: “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane went down. When I opened my eyes, there were bodies all around. I was terrified but ran until someone pulled me into an ambulance.” He remains desperate for news of his brother, who was also aboard.

Authorities fear the death toll could climb further, with more than 50 injured currently hospitalized. Some survivors may still be unaccounted for in local hospitals, said senior police official Vidhi Chaudhary.

The crash site—a densely populated area including a medical college hostel, staff quarters, and student residences—bore the brunt of the impact. The plane crashed directly onto the dining hall of B.J. Medical College hostel, killing several students and causing structural devastation. The tail section of the aircraft was left wedged atop the building.

Dhananjay Dwivedi, Gujarat’s health secretary, confirmed that DNA samples from families are being collected for identification purposes.

Television footage showed the aircraft flying low over a residential area before disappearing, followed by a massive explosion and plume of fire. One aviation expert, U.S.-based Anthony Brickhouse, noted a troubling detail from video footage: the plane’s landing gear appeared to be down, an unusual configuration during ascent, which may point to a technical failure.

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft issued a Mayday call, then lost all contact with air traffic control. Boeing said it was aware of initial reports and is gathering more information. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead an investigative team to India, while GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, is dispatching a team to analyze cockpit data.

This crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Dreamliner, which has been in commercial service since 2011. The aircraft involved was delivered to Air India in 2014 and had a solid safety record prior to the crash.

The tragedy has sparked global shock and grief. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, called it “heartbreaking beyond words” and directed full federal support for rescue and relief efforts. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “devastating,” while King Charles is also being kept updated.

Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, announced compensation of 10 million rupees (approx. $117,000) for each deceased passenger’s family, full medical coverage for the injured, and pledged to rebuild the damaged hostel.

Ahmedabad airport suspended all operations briefly following the crash but has since resumed limited flights. The facility is operated by Adani Group, whose chairman Gautam Adani stated the company is fully cooperating with authorities and assisting affected families.

The last major air disaster in India occurred in 2020 when an Air India Express flight overshot a runway in Kozhikode, killing 21 people. Thursday’s tragedy far surpasses that in scale and impact, raising urgent questions about aviation safety and operational procedures in one of the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.

Pakistan’s top leadership and global dignitaries have extended condolences over the tragic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad, India, which claimed over 200 lives on Thursday.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the disaster. “Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones in the air crash,” the President said in a statement issued by the Presidency.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also voiced his grief, describing the incident as a “tragic crash.” In a message posted on X, the premier said, “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar joined the expressions of sympathy, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” In a post on his official X account, he said, “Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident.” He also extended support to the bereaved families in their time of grief.

The international community also reacted with sorrow. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the news of the crash, which resulted in the highest aviation death toll in a decade. “The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of India, as well as to all countries whose citizens were affected by this tragedy,” said UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq in a statement. Guterres also wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured.

The London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. According to Indian authorities, the aircraft struck a medical college hostel, resulting in a large number of casualties among passengers and residents.

India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the crash had claimed many lives, although an exact death toll has not been officially stated. Air India said the victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, in addition to 12 cabin crew members.

The incident has triggered a global outpouring of grief and raised urgent questions about air safety, even as international teams begin assisting Indian authorities with the investigation.