Authorities in India have confirmed that one person survived the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport on Tuesday.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board when it went down shortly after takeoff.
According to the BBC, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik identified the sole survivor as the passenger seated in 11A, listed on the flight manifest as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” Ramesh reportedly said.
The crash has prompted an international investigation.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) announced that it is deploying a multidisciplinary team to India to assist with the probe. Given the presence of British nationals on board, the AAIB has been granted expert status in the Indian-led investigation.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident,” the AAIB said in a statement.
Air India, in response to the incident, is organizing two special relief flights to Ahmedabad to assist the families of passengers and airline staff involved in the crash.
“Next of kin of passengers and staff in Delhi and Mumbai wanting to travel on these flights can call our hotline on 1800 5691 444. Those coming from international destinations can call +91 8062779200,” the airline said in a statement released Wednesday.
Emergency teams continue recovery operations at the crash site, where debris and wreckage were seen engulfed in flames following the crash.
