Ahmedabad Police say they have not ruled out the possibility of more survivors following the crash of a London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people. The aircraft went down just five minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat, crashing into a densely populated residential area.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed to news agency ANI that one survivor – identified as Vishwash, a British national – as found in seat 11A and is currently receiving treatment in hospital. “We have located one survivor who is under medical care. We cannot confirm the total number of deaths yet, and the toll may rise,” Malik said.
Speaking to Reuters, Malik further stated that 204 bodies have been recovered from the site so far, with rescue efforts still ongoing.
In the wake of the tragic crash, images and videos from the scene revealed that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner first struck the mess building of BJ Medical College Civil Hospital before crashing into the Atulyam Hostel, which housed senior resident doctors. Both structures sustained significant damage from the impact.
The crash site has seen scenes of devastation, with videos circulating on social media showing thick plumes of black smoke rising from the debris. Of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Among the deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly the 12th passenger on the flight manifest and was travelling in Z class, part of the Business Class section. Gujarat BJP President and Union Minister CR Patil confirmed Rupani’s death and expressed profound sorrow.
“This is a tragic incident that has caused an irreparable loss,” Patil said during a press briefing in Mehsana. “The BJP family is deeply saddened. May God grant peace to all the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families.”
Patil also noted that the crash impacted not only passengers but also hostel-based medical students residing in the area. Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities comb through the wreckage in search of any additional survivors.
