Ahmedabad, India – A devastating air disaster claimed at least 265 lives after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on its scheduled flight to London Gatwick. Among the dead were 232 passengers, 10 crew members, and at least 23 people on the ground.
The crash, which is now the deadliest air accident involving British citizens since the 9/11 attacks, occurred just moments after lift-off. According to preliminary flight data and voice recordings released Thursday evening, the aircraft’s captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, made a frantic mayday call approximately 11 seconds into the flight, reporting severe mechanical failure.
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- 1 Only One Survivor
- 2 Victims Include Dozens of British Citizens
- 3 Crash Captured on CCTV
- 4 International Passengers Among Dead
- 5 Investigation Underway
- 6 National Mourning and Reactions
- 7 Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
“Mayday […] no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,” Sabharwal was heard saying, as he and his co-pilot struggled for control over the following 17 seconds before the plane plummeted into a residential complex housing medical staff. The jet burst into flames upon impact.
Captain Sabharwal, a seasoned aviator with over 8,200 hours of flight experience spanning 22 years, was unable to prevent the crash after reporting a sudden loss of power in both engines. The cause of the power failure remains under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a special investigative team from Boeing.
Only One Survivor
The airline confirmed that only one passenger survived the crash: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen and father. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after departure. The aircraft never climbed above 625 feet and crashed within 40 seconds of take-off.
Victims Include Dozens of British Citizens
Among the victims were a significant number of British nationals, including families with young children. Grieving communities across the UK have begun to identify the deceased and share tributes.
A Gloucester-based family — Akeel Nanabawa, 36, a recruitment consultant; his wife, Hannaa, 30; and their 4-year-old daughter, Sara — were confirmed dead. The Gloucester Muslim Community released a statement saying, “We are profoundly heartbroken by the devastating loss of life. During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.”
Raxa Modha, a 55-year-old mother-of-three from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and her 2-year-old grandson Rudra were also among the passengers. The town’s mayor, Raj Mishra, expressed condolences, stating, “May their memories be a blessing, and may we come together to support one another in this time of grief.”
Additional British victims included:
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Adnan Master, 30, from Forest Hill, London, who had been visiting family in India and was returning home alone.
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Javed Ali Syed, a hotel manager at the Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel, who died alongside his wife, Mariam, and their children Amani, 4, and Zayn.
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Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, who had traveled to India for a family celebration. Dhir, a fashion student, had recently studied in Paris.
Crash Captured on CCTV
Shocking CCTV footage released to investigators shows the plane rising from the runway before it begins to descend, eventually crashing into the doctors’ hostel near the airport. The aircraft exploded on impact, engulfing nearby buildings in flames.
Rescue workers and emergency personnel were on-site within minutes, but officials say the fire spread rapidly due to the jet fuel, making it difficult to save anyone on board or in the immediate vicinity.
International Passengers Among Dead
In addition to British nationals and 169 Indian citizens, victims included a Canadian and seven Portuguese travelers. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has contacted foreign embassies to coordinate repatriation and support efforts.
Investigation Underway
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has grounded the remainder of Air India’s Dreamliner fleet pending inspections. A preliminary review is focusing on engine failure or potential fuel contamination. U.S.-based Boeing has dispatched a technical team to assist in the investigation alongside Indian authorities.
The DGCA stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in determining the exact cause of this tragedy. We are working closely with Air India, Boeing, and international regulators to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.”
Aviation analysts have noted that the Dreamliner is generally regarded as a highly reliable aircraft, with the crash raising questions about recent maintenance procedures or possible manufacturing defects.
National Mourning and Reactions
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This is a national tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. The government will provide full support to the victims’ families and ensure accountability.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement, calling the crash a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and confirming that consular services are assisting the families of UK victims.
Flags were lowered at Indian airports and a moment of silence was held across Air India offices nationwide.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest peacetime aviation disasters involving India in recent history. Lawmakers and aviation experts have called for a comprehensive review of India’s commercial aviation safety protocols.
As investigations continue, grief-stricken communities across continents are mourning the loss of families, friends, and loved ones — united in shock and sorrow over a disaster that struck without warning.
