An Air India flight heading to London crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, a city in northern India. The crash killed at least 290 people, including a Canadian dentist from Mississauga, Ontario.
What We Know So Far
The flight AI171 had only been in the air for around five minutes and lost contact with air traffic control at just 625 feet in the sky. Moments later, it crashed, sending shockwaves through India and across the globe.
There were 242 passengers on board, along with 10 cabin crew and 2 pilots. Sadly, almost all lives were lost. But one reported survivor was pulled from the wreckage. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson spoke to the tragic issue saying “all of us at air India are devastated by this loss and grieve for those affected, their families, and their loved ones.”
A Canadian Connection
Among the victims was a Canadian citizen. Reports say Dr. Nirali Patel was a dentist from Mississauga. Her name hasn’t been officially released yet.
Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement following the news:
“Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board.
Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.”
The Global Response
People from around the world — leaders, families, and strangers — are sending their condolences. Even U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy.
You can see his statement here.
Investigators are now working to find out what exactly went wrong. The crash has already become one of the worst aviation disasters in recent memory for India.
