It has been confirmed that all those aboard the ill-fated Air India plane which went down shortly after takeoff have are feared to have been killed.
The plane. a 787 Dreamliner, which had 242 people on board, was consumed in flames after it plunged towards the ground shortly after taking off from an airport in India’s western city of Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick.
Among the dead are 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Local media have reported that the plane’s captain, Sumeet, sent a final communication via the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System saying, “No thrust, Losing Power, Unable to Lift”.
New Delhi TV is has reported that five medical students are among the dead after the impact caused damage to a hostel housing them.
In a statement Air India released in the immediate aftermath of the incident said, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
It has since been confirmed that all those aboard are feared to have lost their lives.
The cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
Britain’s King Charles issued a statement saying,”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.” he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words”.
“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,” he said in a statement.