Passenger details have been released following the Air India plane crash. The aircraft was carrying 242 people as it took off on its route to London Gatwick. However, the plane went down shortly after it departed and radio messages revealed that the aircraft was experiencing an engine failure. More than 100 casualties were initially reported as a result of the crash, which saw the plane plummet into a residential area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It has now been confirmed by police that there were no survivors.
There are more than 50 Brits on board the flight, which was due to arrive at Gatwick at 6.25pm. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on the flight, Air India confirmed. It is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. The nationalities of the dead have been confirmed.
A total of 53 Brits were listed as being on the flight. The full breakdown of nationalities as revealed by Air India are:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portugese nationals
There were 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew and two pilots on the plane, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.
The plane lost signal at 10.08am local time, less than a minute after taking off. “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” said Air India Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He added: “At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families.”
Following the crash, all flights were grounded at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
