A devastating plane crash involving an Air India flight has claimed the lives of 241 passengers, with a single survivor identified as a British national of Indian origin.

Authorities have confirmed that the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time.

The crash has led to a national tragedy and international concern, with the aircraft’s wreckage striking a nearby hostel housing medical staff. Indian police now estimate the total death toll at at least 260, suggesting additional fatalities on the ground beyond the plane’s 242 occupants.

The only known survivor is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, a British citizen of Indian descent. He reportedly escaped by leaping from the aircraft through an emergency exit shortly before the plane exploded in flames.

“He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door,” said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police official in Ahmedabad.

Ramesh is currently receiving treatment in hospital. Officials have not provided further details on his condition.

Air India confirmed that the flight carried a total of 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 11 children.

Downing Street issued a statement warning the British public to prepare for significant loss of life, while Conservative MP Shivani Raja noted that several residents from her Leicester East constituency were believed to have been onboard.

The crash, which occurred just minutes after takeoff, was captured in mobile phone footage showing the plane flying unusually low before impact. Eyewitnesses reported a massive explosion and rising plumes of smoke.

Raju Prajapati, a resident living near the crash site, described the moment: “We heard a huge explosion and rushed out of our homes. There were thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. People were shouting and running in all directions.”

Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the intensity of the flames and the aircraft’s full fuel tank left “no chance” for passengers to survive.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The aircraft in question was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that had not experienced a fatal crash since entering service 14 years ago.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg extended condolences and pledged full cooperation with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). A Boeing technical team is ready to assist.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with engine manufacturer GE Aerospace, is also involved in the investigation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed Washington’s support and emphasized that “safety recommendations will be implemented without hesitation.”

In a statement, Air India expressed its deepest condolences: “We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital… Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”

A crisis response team from Air India has been dispatched to Ahmedabad to support survivors’ families and aid in recovery efforts. (ILKHA)