MUMBAI, INDIA – In a scene of devastation and disbelief, investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the causes behind a catastrophic plane crash in India that has claimed the lives of 246 individuals. The tragic incident involved an Air India jet carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, which crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving only one survivor.
The crash, which occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the aviation community. Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft’s brief ascent before it disappeared in a fiery explosion near Ahmedabad Airport. The plane, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, plummeted shortly after leaving the runway, producing smoke visible for miles.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, battling flames and sifting through the wreckage. The aircraft crashed into a local medical college, leaving parts of the plane, including a back tire, protruding from the building. The search for survivors was desperate and frantic, with hopes dashed for most onboard.
Among the chaos, a remarkable story of survival emerged. Vishwash Kumar Romesh, seated in the emergency exit row 11A, managed to escape the wreckage. He remains hospitalized, while his family expresses immense gratitude for his survival. Romesh had been in communication with his father moments before the crash, describing the terrifying sequence of events as they unfolded.
Reports indicate that Romesh’s survival was not due to his seat location, as experts caution against assumptions about “safe” seats on aircraft. The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011, raising questions about the aircraft’s engines and thrust capabilities.
Aviation experts are scrutinizing the moments before the crash, noting the plane’s nose-up position and potential engine issues. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to assist Indian authorities in the investigation. Boeing has also pledged its support, emphasizing the importance of analyzing data from the aircraft’s black box to determine the cause.
While Ahmedabad Airport has resumed operations, the investigation may take months, if not years, to conclude. The United States has offered its assistance, underscoring the global impact of the tragedy and the urgency of finding answers.