GUJARAT, India, June 12: A British man has miraculously survived the Air India plane crash that occurred this morning in India, a disaster believed to have killed hundreds. Authorities reported that the survivor was sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff.

Footage captured the man walking away from the crash site with visible injuries on his face. Additionally, police confirmed another survivor was found in a hospital struck by the plane as it crashed in a residential area.

Earlier, officials had believed there were no survivors from the Gatwick-bound flight, which went down in Gujarat with 242 people on board, including 53 British nationals. The regional police chief said some local residents likely also died, as the plane hit offices and doctors’ accommodations near a hospital.

Rescue teams, supported by the military, have recovered 204 bodies so far from the plane and surrounding crash site. Passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Among those onboard were eleven children, including two newborns.

Aviation experts suggest that Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have suddenly lost power during the critical phase of flight after takeoff. Possible causes include rapid wind changes or bird strikes causing a double engine stall.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is now investigating the wreckage and recovering the plane’s black box. Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft rapidly losing altitude with its nose raised before crashing into a building and erupting in flames.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport at about 1:40 pm local time. Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s main city, is densely populated and the airport is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.

Residents near the crash site reported seeing bodies on the ground and people jumping from buildings to escape the flames. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire as thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating” and expressed sympathy for the passengers and their families. Boeing confirmed it was gathering information and said this was the first known crash involving a 787 Dreamliner.

A former US Air Force pilot and aviation consultant noted that flight data indicated the plane reached takeoff speed but failed to gain altitude, suggesting engine problems, incorrect aircraft configuration, or other failures affecting climb performance. Weather conditions appeared clear and calm at the time of the accident.

Flight tracking data showed the plane reached only about 625 feet before descending, far below normal altitude for a commercial flight after several minutes.

Experts believe multiple bird strikes may have caused the engines to lose power. The aircraft’s emergency turbine may have deployed just before the crash. Similar incidents in the past involved sudden mechanical or environmental failures shortly after takeoff, resulting in loss of control.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the plane sent a mayday call moments before crashing. Experts highlighted how unusual it was for the crash to occur so early in the flight, given aircraft safety redundancies.

Investigations will be conducted jointly by Indian authorities, with assistance expected from the US National Transportation Safety Board and the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch, especially since British nationals were onboard. Such investigations typically take years to complete.

The jet crashed into the densely populated Meghani area, hitting a doctors’ hostel and offices near BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital. Photos showed wreckage lodged in buildings, with dining areas partially destroyed.

Local residents described chaotic scenes of people fleeing from burning buildings. Videos showed the plane descending with landing gear down before disappearing behind trees and buildings and then exploding.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed sadness and confirmed the UK was cooperating with Indian authorities to investigate the crash and support affected families.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words” and ordered full support for rescue operations. All agencies are coordinating efforts at the site.

Air India’s chairman expressed sorrow and pledged support for families and emergency responders. Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight scheduled to arrive at 6:25 pm had crashed shortly after departure.

An aviation expert noted the Dreamliner is a state-of-the-art Boeing model, and the incident is a major aviation disaster. Weather was calm and clear at the time.

India’s aviation minister stated that all emergency agencies had been mobilized for rescue and relief. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s team was en route to the crash site.

This is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787, according to safety records. The last major fatal crash in India occurred in 2020 with Air India Express, resulting in 21 deaths.

Air India was privatized in recent years, now part of the Tata Group, which has activated emergency support for families.

The crash is the latest in a series of Boeing-related disasters, including fatal crashes in South Korea, Indonesia, and Ethiopia in recent years. Boeing’s shares dropped 8% in premarket trading following the incident.

Boeing said it is aware of the reports and is working to gather further details.