Air India Flight, on its way to London, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed earlier today shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, the western city of Guajarat, India.
This is What we know So far, regarding crashes:
Timeline: According to the air tracker Flightradar24, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Air India Flight 171, was its destination at London Gatwick Airport and departed from Ahmedabad International Airport at local time (4:08 PM ET). The aircraft’s signal was lost less than a minute at an altitude of 625 feet.
Causes: At least 290 people have been killed, senior doctors at Ahmedabad Municipal Hospital told CNN. Among the people killed were passengers on the flight, including minors, local residents and some of the people who were inside the hostels of BJ Medical College and hospitals when the plane crashed. So far, only one survivor has been reported among those on the flight, according to local police. Previously, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said in a video message on social media that injured passengers were taken to a local hospital and “a special team of Air India caregivers is heading to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.”
In the surrounding area: Authorities said the majority of the planes had collided with a residential doctor at a hostel, where the hostel works at a local hospital. The All India Medical Association federation said 50-60 students were admitted to local hospitals after the flight collided with the hostel of the BJ Medical College and the hospital. A group statement said some residents and their parents are said to be missing, but one resident’s wife was found dead.
Who was on board? Wilson said 230 passengers were on the flight, with 12 crew members presenting them. He confirmed that 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national on board.
investigation: According to CNN’s Richard Quest, India’s civil aviation authorities are expected to take the lead, but “parties to the investigation” also include the US and UK destination countries where the aircraft are manufactured. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it will lead a team heading to India to help investigate local government conflicts. The British Air Accident Investigation Division (AAIB) has formally provided assistance to Indian authorities following the collision.
Boeing’s response: Boeing said it was in contact with the airline. “Our idea was influenced by passengers, crew, first responders and everything,” he added to the X-Post. This is the latest in a series of incidents aimed at plane makers over the past few years.
Support for victims: Tata Group, owner of Air India and one of India’s largest conglomerates, says it will offer one croule ($116,868) to each lifeless family.
This post was updated with the latest reports on crashes and victims.