[WATCH] Air India crash leaves 1 survivor: 'Someone didn't do their job properly' - aviation analyst

Tragedy struck in Ahmedabad on Thursday when an Air India flight bound for London crashed just one minute after takeoff, killing more than 240 people. Authorities confirmed the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to Gatwick Airport, went down in the Meghaninagar area shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft, carrying 242 people, crashed into a medical college hostel during lunchtime, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Only one person survived the impact — a British national of Indian origin, seated in 11A next to an emergency exit. The survivor is currently being treated in a local hospital.

CCTV footage captured the plane lifting off over a residential neighbourhood before vanishing from view. Moments later, a massive fireball erupted beyond the homes, signalling the catastrophic crash.

Air traffic control reported that the flight took off at 1.39 p.m. local time (8.09 am GMT). A distress call — a Mayday — was received shortly after takeoff, but no further communication followed.

Ahmedabad’s police chief stated that the dead include both passengers and individuals on the ground at the hostel site. Recovery operations are ongoing.

The disaster has reignited scrutiny of both Boeing and Air India. Boeing, in particular, continues to grapple with serious safety concerns that have plagued the company for years and eroded public trust in its aircraft.

Bassa explains his initial unconfirmed assessment of the crash...