Air India plane crash: Mother expresses emotions over son's narrow escape in Ahmedabad crash
A heart-wrenching tragedy struck today when Air India’s Dreamliner 789 aircraft crashed just 10 minutes after taking off from Runway 23 at Ahmedabad Airport, killing at least 204 people. The crash occurred in the Meghaninagar area and sent shockwaves through the nation. Shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM, the aircraft issued a 'Mayday' distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), but lost contact shortly thereafter. Moments later, the plane crashed into the resident doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College, causing widespread devastation. The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and 12 crew members.
National and International Passengers Onboard
Among the passengers were:
169 Indian nationals
52 British citizens
7 Portuguese nationals
1 Canadian passenger
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his family members were also aboard the ill-fated flight and are reported to have sustained serious injuries.
A Mother's Tale of Miraculous Survival
Amid the chaos and tragedy, a tale of narrow escape has emerged. A woman named Ramila Ben shared a harrowing account of how her son survived the crash. Her son, who had gone to the hostel for lunch, was present inside the building at the time of the crash. As the plane struck the hostel, he leapt from the second floor of the structure in a desperate bid to save his life. “When the plane hit the hostel, my son jumped from the second floor. He has sustained minor injuries, but he is safe,” said an emotional Ramila Ben. “I have spoken to him, and he is stable.”
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency crews and firefighters continue rescue operations at the crash site. Authorities are working to identify victims and assess the full extent of the damage. Investigations are underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India to determine the cause of the crash. As the country mourns this horrific loss of life, stories like that of Ramila Ben’s son serve as rare glimpses of hope amidst an otherwise tragic day for Indian aviation.