The incident involved Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London. According to authorities, the plane crashed just moments after takeoff, slamming into a densely populated area and igniting a massive fire. Amateur video captured by residents shows terrifying scenes: young people clinging to balconies, tying bedsheets together to rappel down the sides of the building, and others climbing trees in an effort to reach and rescue those still trapped inside.
Thick plumes of smoke and the sound of screams dominate the footage, reflecting the chaos and sheer panic that erupted in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Witnesses say the flames engulfed the building within minutes, leaving little time for escape.
The student dormitory, located near a local medical college, was home to dozens of students who were inside at the time of the crash. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the scale of the destruction quickly overwhelmed local services.
Tragically, all 241 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft perished, according to early reports from aviation officials. The death toll has since climbed to approximately 280, as the crash also claimed the lives of people on the ground, including students and residents in the surrounding area.
In a rare miracle, one survivor has been confirmed: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, was pulled from the wreckage with severe injuries. Doctors have since reported that his condition is gradually stabilizing, though he remains in intensive care.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. Initial findings suggest a potential technical failure during ascent, but no conclusions have been drawn. The crash has plunged the country into mourning, with officials declaring a national day of grief to honor the victims.
The aviation community, families of the victims, and citizens across India are demanding answers as the scope of the tragedy continues to unfold.
Watch the full video of the dramatic rescue efforts below.