Rescue operation was underway after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.
Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed, with one survivor -- a British national who is receiving treatment in hospital now, according to Air India.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time with 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 crew members aboard, Air India said.
"I just come here. This is the spot where the Air India flight is crashed. You can see the debris behind me. It's hardly one kilometer from the Ahmedabad airport," China Media Group reporter Devender Singh said from the crash site.
The ill-fated plane crashed on a doctors' hostel, with up to 200 people believed to be inside at the time, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
According to witnesses, thick smoke billowed into the sky as the aircraft disintegrated upon impact, destroying or damaging buildings in the vicinity. The aircraft, which had been prepared for a long-haul flight, was carrying a large amount of fuel.
According to Air India, the pilot had 8,200 flight hours of experience, while the co-pilot had 1,100 hours.
In the aftermath of the disaster, officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of India, along with local fire and police units, rushed to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.
All flights at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended, and emergency centers have been put into operation. Eyewitnesses reported seeing bodies being transported to hospitals for identification.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as a tragedy and heartbreaking beyond words.
"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," Modi wrote on social media platform X.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu have arrived at the site to oversee rescue efforts.
In response to the tragedy, Air India has established an emergency hotline and contact center, pledging full cooperation with the investigation.
Boeing has also expressed "deep concern" and dispatched a technical team to assist.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) say they are conducting a thorough investigation.
The aircraft's black box has been recovered and technical analysis of the data is ongoing.
Rescue operation underway after fatal plane crash in India
Intense rescue operation underway after fatal plane crash in India
