An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to Gatwick Airport, London. The plane lost altitude rapidly and exploded into flames upon crashing into a residential area, killing nearly all on board and at least 24 people on the ground. Only one passenger is reported to have survived.
Investigators are concentrating on three critical aircraft components — the engine, flaps, and landing gear. Sources say the landing gear may have remained extended during takeoff, and there may have been issues with engine thrust and flap configuration, contributing to the loss of control.
Investigators from India, the UK, and the US are working jointly to uncover the cause. Anti-terrorism experts are also involved, though a bird strike has been ruled out as a major factor.
As the black box data is analyzed and systems are examined, more information is expected to surface in the coming days. Authorities continue to assess whether operational errors, technical failures, or systemic maintenance lapses played a role in the deadly crash.