A devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of more than 290 people after an Air India flight bound for Gatwick Airport crashed just moments after takeoff.
Authorities have confirmed at least one survivor: 40-year-old British-Indian national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was visiting family in the city.
According to police and media reports, the aircraft went down in a residential area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning.
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The crash site also included part of BJ Medical College, where falling wreckage killed at least five medical students and injured nearly 50 others.
Ramesh, speaking from a hospital bed to Hindustan Times, described the harrowing experience:
“Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
He recounted waking up surrounded by wreckage and bodies:
“I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance.”
Ramesh, who sustained bruises to his chest, eyes, and feet, was otherwise conscious and coherent. His brother, who was also on the flight, is among the missing.
Air India confirmed the flight was en route to Gatwick Airport near London and has since deployed a special caregiver team to Ahmedabad to support local staff and assist grieving families.
U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing the media from the White House, called the incident “one of the most worst crashes in aviation history,” offering U.S. assistance to Indian authorities.
“We’ve offered anything we can do. This is a horrific crash,” he said.
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate expressed his condolences, stating,
“We are very saddened by the tragedy in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.”
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The Indian Army has mobilized over 130 personnel, including doctors and paramedics, to help clear debris and assist emergency responders. A military hospital in Ahmedabad is also on standby to treat survivors and process victims.
Authorities have begun forensic identification of bodies, many of which are severely burned. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with officials promising a full inquiry.
