A: Hey buddy! Did you hear about that crash in India?
B: Nah, what happened?

A: Well, a passenger plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people onboard. Only one person survived, a British guy.
B: Whoa! That's terrible! Was it a big plane?

A: Yeah, it was a Boeing 787. They had a series of battery problems back in 2013, but this is the first crash since it entered service 14 years ago. The authorities are investigating to find out what caused the accident.
B: I hope they figure it out soon... So sad for those families.

A: Yeah, the British Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister have expressed their condolences on social media. They're sending investigation teams to help find answers.
B: That's good they're taking action. Did anyone else get hurt on the ground?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Five medical students were killed as the plane hit a building at a medical college. Many others are injured too. It's a real tragedy.
B: I can't even imagine... Do you think they'll find out what went wrong with that plane?

A: Well, they're recovering the black boxes and working with an investigation team from the US National Transportation Safety Board to find answers. Let's hope we get some closure soon.
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A passenger plane in India crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 people onboard. Only one person survived. Authorities have launched an investigation to find out the cause of the accident.



The crash happened in the western city of Ahmedabad. The pilots reportedly issued a mayday call before the accident.



Surveillance footage captured the jet taking off and gradually losing altitude, followed by an explosion and a fireball.



The plane crashed onto the dining area of a medical college building.



Air India confirmed the plane was a Boeing 787 bound for London Gatwick Airport, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. It said the passengers comprised 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The lone survivor is British.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted about the crash on social media. He described it as "heartbreaking" and said he has been in touch with the relevant authorities.



Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a statement on Thursday, saying he has spoken with the chairman of Air India to offer full support. He added that his team stands ready to assist in the investigation.



The Boeing 787 had a series of battery problems in 2013, leading to the planes being temporarily grounded worldwide. However, this is believed to be the first crash of a 787 since it entered service 14 years ago.





Overseas reactions



There were many reactions overseas to the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday.



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is being kept updated as the situation develops. He added that his government is sending an investigation team and will provide updates soon. He also said, "We're working with the Indian authorities on this to establish the facts."



And Rishi Sunak, Britain's first prime minister of Indian descent, said he is "deeply shocked and distressed" by the news, and noted the "unique bond" between the two nations.



People living in Indian communities in western London were expressing their shock. One woman said: "I feel very bad because it's our state, our country. Yes, it's far away from our state, but still we feel bad because it's our people."



A man said: "It's very bad for humanity. Maybe Air India needs to compensate their families about this."



US President Donald Trump said the crash was "horrific" and that his government would help India. He said, "I let them know that anything we can do, we'll be over there immediately."



The US National Transportation Safety Board is also sending a team of investigators to India to assist with the probe.



The Federal Aviation Administration said when an international incident occurs, the country where it happens leads the investigations.



The FAA added that it is "ready to launch a team immediately" in coordination with the NTSB, if India asks for assistance.





AP: 5 students on ground also killed



The Associated Press says five medical students in a college hostel were also killed in the fatal plane crash as the aircraft hit the building.



The news agency on Thursday quoted a medical association officer as saying that at least five students from the medical college were killed on the ground and 50 others were injured. The officer added that many people are feared to have been buried in the debris.





Indian Prime Minister visits the crash site



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and met the survivor at a hospital. The British national reportedly told Modi he still did not know why he was the only one who lived through the accident.



Meanwhile, the Indian government instructed aviation authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Investigators are recovering the plane's black boxes and planning to cooperate with an investigation team from the US National Transportation Safety Board.