242 Passengers, Others Feared Dead As India Plane Crashes into Residential Building

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

No fewer than 242 passengers aboard Air India plane are feared dead following the crashing of the Flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick airport into a residential area shortly after taking off from India’s Ahmedabad Airport.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the plane crashed into an accommodation used by doctors, and many of the flats used by the doctors were damaged.

OTN News further reports that Air India released the flight manifest of the crashed plane to include: 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian passenger.

As at press time, Indian aviation authorities could not ascertain the exact number of casualties, but there were strong indications that there were no survivors in the incident. 

The city’s Police Commissioner G S Malik said, "As the plane had fallen in a residential area which also had offices, some locals would have also died. Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected."

Similarly, the Chairman of Air India, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who released a statement after stated that the airline had set up an emergency centre and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight.

The Chairman explained that the management is currently focused on supporting all the affected people and their families, adding that thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.

Meanwhile, British Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell, commenting on the incident, assured that the United Kingdom (UK) government will provide as much support as it can.

In her words, "This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones".

According to the Aviation Safety Network database, said this is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, while the Boeing has equally confirmed the crash and stated it was aware of the reports of the crash and was working to gather more information.