Tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad: death toll rises to 279

Ahmedabad, India – A senior police officer has confirmed that the death toll from a passenger jet crash in Ahmedabad has tragically risen to 279. The disaster occurred when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff.

This updated figure, which includes both passengers and ground victims, now ranks among the deadliest aviation accidents of the 21st century. Initially, authorities reported 265 fatalities, but recovery efforts revealed additional casualties. The anonymous officer explained that DNA identification is still underway, and the final count will be released once completed.

Among the 242 people onboard were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and 12 crew members. Shockingly, only one passenger survived the crash. Meanwhile, at least 38 ground victims perished when the plane struck nearby buildings.

The doomed flight issued a mayday call just before crashing at midday on Thursday. The aircraft had barely climbed 100 meters (330 feet) when it plummeted. Investigators have already recovered one black box and are searching for the second.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787 Dreamliner, has pledged full support to Air India following the tragedy. Notably, this marks the first-ever crash involving a 787 Dreamliner.

As rescue and forensic teams work tirelessly at the site, the global aviation community awaits answers regarding the cause of this heartbreaking disaster. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in preventing future tragedies of this scale.

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