Ahmedabad, 12 June

One survivor has been found in the Air India AI-171 crash, contradicting earlier reports that all 242 on board had died.

40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is in critical condition at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He recalled, “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed.”

The devastating air tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon as a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI-171) crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar shortly after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38pm. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and 10 crew members, reportedly crashed into four hospital staff quarters before hitting the main building of BJ Medical College hospital.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with fire and thick smoke engulfing the crash site. Due to lunchtime, many people were outdoors, but several women and children inside the buildings were injured and have been airlifted for treatment. Over 100 charred bodies have reportedly been recovered, and rescue efforts are ongoing amid intense heat and fuel fumes.

Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed by senior BJP leader Bhupendrasinh Chudasama. Rupani is believed to have perished in the crash, although an official confirmation is awaited.

The fire brigade gained access to the hospital's main building around 5pm, as authorities continue to search for survivors. The Government of India and Air India have issued helpline numbers for families seeking information.