Update: What We Know So Far From First 787 Dreamliner Crash

An Air India flight headed for London Gatwick has crashed in Ahmedabad just moments after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, went down in the Meghani area, a densely populated part of the city, shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:17 p.m. local time.

Initial reports confirm the plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, struck a building housing medical students and doctors. At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the site, and emergency teams are still working to rescue those trapped in the debris. The Indian Health Minister has stated that many lives were lost, calling it one of the worst aviation disasters in the country’s history.

Authorities said the aircraft reached only around 825 feet before rapidly descending. A distress signal was issued by the pilot shortly after takeoff, but communication was lost soon after. Experts suspect the crash may have been caused by multiple bird strikes, resulting in a sudden loss of engine power. However, an official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

Air India confirmed that the flight carried 230 passengers, along with two pilots and 10 crew members. Of the total passengers, 53 were British nationals, and others included Indian, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens. Eleven children were among those on board.

The aircraft collided with a building known to house doctors from a nearby medical college. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick smoke fill the air. One mother shared that her son survived by jumping from a second-floor window when the plane struck his hostel during lunchtime.

Photographs from the scene show the tail of the aircraft embedded in the building and charred debris scattered throughout the area. Rescue teams, firefighters, and ambulances have been working around the clock, and a green corridor has been established to speed up the transport of injured individuals to hospitals. Local officials are treating the situation with utmost urgency, ensuring priority medical care for survivors.

Government leaders, including the Indian Prime Minister and senior political figures in the UK, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Crisis response teams have been activated in both London and Delhi to support the victims and their families. The King of the United Kingdom is also being kept informed of developments.

This marks the first crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model considered state-of-the-art since its launch. The heavy fuel load typical for international flights is believed to have intensified the post-crash fire, making rescue efforts more challenging.

The airport in Ahmedabad has been closed until further notice. Passengers scheduled to fly are advised to check with airlines for updates.

This heartbreaking incident has shaken both India and the international aviation community. As investigations continue and rescue operations press on, global attention remains focused on Ahmedabad in the hope of finding more survivors and understanding how such a tragedy occurred.

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