Air India has confirmed that nearly all passengers and crew perished in a crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, western India, en route to London Gatwick Airport.
The aircraft carried 242 individuals: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Authorities anticipate additional fatalities among local residents due to the plane’s impact site in a populated area of Ahmedabad.
One passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived and is receiving hospital treatment.
While details are still emerging, the BBC has confirmed the following deaths:
The Nanabawa Family
Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara, all British residents of Gloucester, were among the victims. Gloucester Muslim Society offered its condolences, expressing profound sorrow and extending support to the affected community.
Adam and Hasina Taju, and Son-in-Law Altafhusen Patel
Adam Taju (72), Hasina Taju (70), and their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel (51), all London residents, were returning from Ahmedabad when the tragedy occurred. Their granddaughter, Ammaarah Taju, described the family’s shock and grief.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, a British couple operating a spiritual wellness center in London, documented their pre-flight preparations on Instagram, hours before the crash.
Ajay Kumar Ramesh
Ajay Kumar Ramesh, traveling alongside his brother Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was confirmed among the deceased.
Vijay Rupani
India’s Civil Aviation Minister confirmed the death of Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat state, in the crash. Rupani served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021 as a member of the BJP party.
Singson
Singson, a member of the Air India flight 171 cabin crew, was also confirmed as a victim by family members. Her cousin, T. Thanglingo Haokip, expressed the family’s struggle to obtain information and highlighted Singson’s role as the sole provider for her mother and brother.
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Vishwashkumar Ramesh is the sole survivor of the Air India crash, which claimed 241 lives.
A London-bound flight carrying 242 people crashed near Ahmedabad, India, soon after takeoff.
Experts suggest possible causes include flap malfunction, engine failure, or bird strike.
Harrow and Neasden Hindu temples hold special prayers for the Air India crash victims.