In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, at least 200 people have been confirmed dead after an Air India aircraft crashed during a scheduled international flight late Tuesday evening. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the catastrophic incident, which has left families around the world in mourning.
The wide-body jet, en route from New Delhi to London, reportedly lost contact with air traffic control shortly before entering European airspace. Emergency responders were dispatched to the remote crash site, where rescue efforts were severely hampered by difficult terrain and weather conditions.
In a miraculous turn, a single British national is reported to have survived the crash. The passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, was found injured but conscious among the wreckage. They are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital and are said to be in stable condition.
Officials from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with international investigators, are on-site recovering flight data recorders and analyzing debris patterns. Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical malfunction, but authorities have not ruled out other causes.
Air India has issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. “Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. We are doing everything in our power to support them during this time,” the airline said.
The Indian government has declared a national day of mourning, while aviation regulators across multiple countries have begun reviewing safety protocols.
This incident is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of airline safety procedures and aircraft maintenance standards, particularly in the context of increasingly complex international air travel. More details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds