Air India crash: Death toll hits 290 as survivor recounts horror

The death toll from Thursday’s Air India crash has risen to 290, officials confirmed on Friday morning.

Diaspora Digital Media reported that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, bound for London’s Gatwick airport.

Air India said the plane had 242 passengers and crew aboard at the time of the crash.

Authorities said 241 of those onboard were confirmed dead. One British national survived the crash.

The tragedy extended beyond the plane. Police said the remaining casualties were people on the ground.

Senior police officer Vishaka Dabral confirmed 269 bodies were taken to the Civil Lines hospital in Ahmedabad.

Top state police official Vidhi Chaudhary said more fatalities were still being verified in nearby buildings.

“The impact site was a residential area,” Chaudhary told Reuters. “Several people were inside when the aircraft struck.”

The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, spoke to Hindustan Times from his hospital bed.

“It all happened so quickly,” Ramesh said, lying in the general ward of Asarwa Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

“I woke up surrounded by bodies. I was scared. I stood up and ran,” he recounted.

“Someone pulled me into an ambulance and brought me here.”

Ramesh said he suffered chest, eye, and foot injuries and was seated in 11A beside an emergency exit.

He was traveling with his brother, Ajay, who sat in a different row. Ajay is still mission.

“He was traveling with me and I can’t find him anymore,” Ramesh cried. “Please help me find him.”

Emergency response teams arrived quickly at the crash site but faced heavy debris and fire hazards.

Local authorities said multiple homes were damaged or destroyed as the plane exploded on impact.

Several injured victims from the crash site were transported to nearby hospitals.

Diaspora Digital Media had earlier reported the aircraft lost control minutes after takeoff on June 12, .

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said a full investigation was underway.

Flight data recorders, or black boxes, have been recovered and sent for analysis in New Delhi.

Air India issued a statement expressing condolences to families of the victims and offering assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply pained” and promised support for affected families.

Air India has suspended all flights from Ahmedabad until further notice.

Airlines worldwide expressed solidarity and began reviewing safety protocols for similar aircraft models.

Investigators said mechanical failure or bird strike could be possible causes but refused to speculate officially.

As recovery continues, officials expect the final death toll may rise. Rescue efforts remain active around the clock.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook