On Thursday, tragedy struck Ahmedabad as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff. The catastrophic accident claimed over 265 lives, impacting both passengers and people on the ground during the busy lunch hour. 😢
Only one passenger survived – a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, right next to an emergency exit. He recalled hearing a loud noise just 30 seconds after liftoff before chaos unfolded as the plane broke apart and debris scattered around the building.
Eyewitness accounts add to the horror. One passenger, 40-year-old Ramesh Viswashkumar, vividly described the scene: bodies and airplane pieces were everywhere, and in the midst of the panic, he pleaded for help to locate his brother Ajay, who was on board but now missing.
Local officials, including state police officer Vidhi Chaudhary, are still verifying the final death toll, which includes prominent figures such as Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat. Relatives have been asked to provide DNA samples to aid in identifying the victims, as rescue teams continue their urgent work at the scene.
This devastating incident, now considered one of the worst aviation disasters in a decade, is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. Authorities are intensifying investigations to piece together the moments before the crash while communities and families worldwide mourn this profound loss.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details about this tragic event emerge.
Reference(s):
Air India Dreamliner crashes into college hostel, over 265 killed
cgtn.com
