Ahmedabad plane crash: From 241 dead to ongoing probe, all you need to know about the Air India tragedy

India is reeling from one of its worst air disasters in recent years after Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed seconds after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 265 people.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people onboard, plunged into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital compound near the airport and burst into flames, causing additional casualties on the ground.

In an official statement, the DGCA said that it was a B787 Aircraft VT-ANB and it crashed immediately after takeoff. "There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar," the regulator said.

Here's all we know so far

• There were 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
• The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration number VT-ANB.
• According to ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm from Runway 23.
• Immediately after departure, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter.
• The plane issued a MAYDAY call to ATC, but did not respond to further communication.
• It crashed into a hostel of a medical college hospital.
• Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board the plane.
• Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately.
• London Gatwick Airport confirmed that flight AI171 crashed after departing from Ahmedabad.
• Prime Minister Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
• The plane carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers.
• Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said they are doing everything in their power to assist emergency teams.
• Tata Sons Chairman announced that the company will provide Rs 1 crore as compensation to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash.
• Boeing acknowledged initial reports of the crash and is monitoring the situation.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat CM, Home Minister, and Police Commissioner. He assured central assistance.
• Air India has issued a passenger helpline: 1800 5691 444.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up helplines: 011-24610843 and 9650391859.
• Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency number: 07925620359.
• The British government has activated a helpline for UK citizens: 020 7008 5000.
• The British High Commission said it is coordinating with local authorities to provide support.
• Air India changed its display picture on social media to a black image in mourning.
• CISF and NDRF teams conducted rescue operations at the AI171 crash site in Ahmedabad.
• Indian Railways announced plans to run special Vande Bharat trains to evacuate stranded passengers.
• Flight operations resumed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 5 pm.
• Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI: “One survivor was found in seat 11A. The survivor is receiving treatment in hospital. The exact death toll is unclear and may rise as the crash occurred in a residential area.”
• Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in the crash.
• Home Minister Amit Shah said: “The plane was carrying nearly 1,25,000 litres of fuel. Due to high temperatures, survival chances were nil. Body recovery is nearly complete. DNA samples are being collected.”
• Air India posted on X: “We regret to inform that out of the 242 people on board, 241 have been confirmed dead. The sole survivor is currently receiving treatment in hospital.”
• One survivor was found: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, who is now being treated at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
• Over 60 medical students were injured in the crash.
• Tata Sons Chairman announced that the company will provide Rs 1 crore as compensation to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash.
• The black box, including flight data and cockpit voice recorder, is being searched for.
• PM Modi visited the crash site on Friday morning and held a review meeting authorities concerned.