Black box recorder from the crash site of a London-bound passenger jet that ploughed into a residential area of India’s Ahmedabad city, killing at least 265 people on board and on the ground found.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a mayday call shortly before it crashed around lunchtime on Thursday after lifting barely 100 metres (330 feet) from the ground.
Air India said there were 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian on board the flight bound for London’s Gatwick airport, as well as 12 crew members.
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One man on board the plane, which was carrying 242 passengers and crew, miraculously survived Thursday’s fiery crash, which left the tailpiece of the aircraft jutting out of the second floor of a hostel for medical staff from a nearby hospital.
“Initially, I too thought that I was about to die, but then I opened my eyes and realised that I was still alive,” survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen, told national broadcaster DD News from his hospital bed.
The nose and front wheel of Air India flight 171 landed on a canteen building where students were having lunch, witnesses said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai said that 265 bodies had been counted so far, which suggested that at least 24 people were killed on the ground. The toll could rise further as more body parts are recovered.
“The official number of deceased will be declared only after DNA testing is completed,” Home Minister Amit Shah said in a statement late on Thursday. DNA samples will be taken from family members of the dead who live abroad, he said.
World Leaders react to Air India Tragedy
Meanwhile, world leaders have commiserated with the Indian Government over the tragic incident.
Tinubu mourns victims of tragic Air India
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday extended condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offered prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Condoles With Narendra Modi, Victims Of Air India.’
”The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together.
”At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India.
“Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,” Tinubu said.
The President prayed that God would receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.”
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.”
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Britain’s King Charles
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
“Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The Vatican’s Secretary of State
“Deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, together with the assurance of prayers for all involved in the recovery efforts.”
“Commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, His Holiness invokes upon all affected the divineb blessings of healing and peace.”
Bangladeshi chief adviser Muhammad Yunus message
“We extend our deepest condolences to all the families who lost their dear ones at this tragic incident.”
“We stand in solidarity with the people and Government of India, and offer our full support in any form.”
European Commission President Ursula Von DEr Leyen, on X
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.”
“Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“Please accept my deep condolences on the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad airport.”
“Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes of a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
“We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected.”
“Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene.”
