NEW DELHI: In one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian aviation history, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, killing more than 290 people, including passengers, crew members, and civilians on the ground.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:33 PM IST, lost contact with air traffic control within minutes and plunged into the Meghaninagar locality near B.J. Medical College, causing a massive explosion and fire.

Only one survivor pulled from wreckage

Of the 242 people on board, only one passenger—a British national identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh—has survived. He is in critical condition, receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Emergency response teams faced intense heat, heavy smoke, and debris while searching for survivors. The crash also caused significant damage on the ground, with at least five confirmed civilian casualties in the impact zone.

Air India has confirmed that the flight included:

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British citizens
• 7 Portuguese
• 1 Canadian
• 12 Indian crew members

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation in coordination with Boeing and UK authorities. A Mayday call was reportedly issued moments before the crash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating the government is monitoring the situation and ensuring all possible assistance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government is offering support to affected families and coordinating with Indian authorities.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the airline is “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by the loss. Helplines have been activated for families in India and the UK. The airline is also facilitating transport for relatives and support staff to Ahmedabad and London.