Air India has confirmed that 241 people on board a plane were killed in a crash. The airline added that the sole survivor, a British national, is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of those affected, their families, and loved ones,” the company said. It also stated that it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the incident.
The London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff in a residential area of Ahmedabad, western India.
India’s Home Affairs Minister has visited the survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, in hospital. The BBC also spoke to a relative of his in Leicester. Ramesh shared a picture of his boarding pass with reporters and described the moment: “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise... it all happened so quickly.”
According to Air India, the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
DNA testing of the victims is underway, according to a press release from Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah. Shah, who visited the crash site after meeting survivors in hospital, said the official death toll will be released only after DNA testing is complete.
“On behalf of the government of India, the government of Gujarat, and the prime minister, I express deep condolences to all those who lost their lives,” the statement read.
The cause of the crash may be revealed by the plane’s black boxes—small but sturdy electronic data recorders. Typically, one records cockpit sounds, capturing pilot conversations and unusual noises, while the other records flight data such as altitude and speed. These black boxes are usually housed in the plane’s tail, the part least damaged in a crash.
It is not yet confirmed if the black boxes from Flight 171 have been recovered. Even if they are found, it can take days or weeks to analyze the data.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a statement expressing condolences. “Our deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad,” he said.
Ortberg also said he spoke with Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran to offer full support, reiterating that Boeing will assist the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.