Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: 265 Dead, Including Medical Students; PM Modi To Visit Crash Site Today
A devastating crash occurred when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), plummeted to the ground minutes after departing from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12.
The flight, destined for London Gatwick Airport (LGW), carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The tragic incident occurred around 1.39 pm local time (08.09 GMT).
As many as 265 bodies have been brought to the city's civil hospital, which also includes the medical students, following the horrific crash, a police official said.
Reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirm that the pilots issued a 'MAYDAY' call to air traffic control (ATC) shortly after takeoff, indicating an immediate and grave emergency. Tragically, the aircraft did not respond to subsequent calls from ATC.
The devastating crash claimed numerous lives. Initially, Ahmedabad Police Chief GS Malik reported no survivors on board and confirmed ground casualties. However, amidst the tragedy, a miracle emerged: Ramesh Viswashkumar, approximately 40 years old, was confirmed as the sole survivor.
Among the confirmed fatalities from the aircraft was Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat (2016-2021), who was reportedly en route to London to meet his family. Those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as 'heartbreaking beyond words,' confirming that rescue and relief efforts were already in motion.
The Prime Minister also pledged full government support for the victims' families, calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. He is expected to visit Ahmedabad on Friday.
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