AHMEDABAD: In what is being described as one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India, at least 274 people lost their lives after an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, sources confirmed on Saturday.
The devastating crash involved Flight AI 171, which was headed to London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots—plummeted into a medical college complex just seconds after lifting off on Thursday.
Authorities stated that the death toll includes both the occupants of the aircraft and several local residents on the ground who were caught in the crash’s impact.
Tragically, only one person—a British citizen of Indian origin—survived the crash. Among those killed was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, adding to the heartbreak and national shock over the incident.
Emergency response teams and aviation authorities are continuing recovery and investigation operations. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
