By The Sampadak Express
Tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday as an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving at least 204 people dead and 41 others injured. The incident took place around 2 PM in the Meghaninagar area, when the London-bound Air India Flight AI171 crashed into the residential quarters of doctors at BJ Medical College.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the grim toll while speaking to AFP, stating, “We have found 204 bodies.” He further added that the casualties include both passengers on board as well as residents present in the building that the aircraft collided with.
Union Minister CR Patil also confirmed that among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was traveling on the ill-fated flight. “Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was on that flight. He, too, has fallen victim to this tragic accident. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a deep blow to the BJP family as well,” said Patil.
The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and 12 crew members at the time of the crash. In a rare glimmer of hope, officials reported that one passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived. He was found seated in 11A. No additional survivors have been located as of now.
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing at the crash site, with emergency services working around the clock to clear debris and provide medical assistance to the injured.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
