Tragic Air India flight crash: local tributes pour in

SOUTH African organisations and Indian expats have conveyed their condolences and support for the families who lost their loved ones in the Air India flight crash last week.

- NADIA KHAN and AFP

The aircraft, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 230 passengers, 10 crew members and two pilots, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad last Thursday.

The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who was on the passenger flight headed to the London Gatwick Airport, was the sole survivor. His brother was also on the flight.

According to the Hindustan Times, Ramesh, 40, who had been seated near the emergency exit, said: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”

It was reported he suffered “impact injuries” on his chest, eyes and feet.

In addition, more than 30 people on the ground were killed and several others injured.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the plane crash had “stunned and saddened” the country.

He described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words,” adding that he was in touch with the authorities involved in the disaster.

Pradeep Ramlall, secretary of the Hindasa Seva Foundation, said they had conveyed their condolences and called for a thorough investigation.

“It is with deep anguish and heart-felt sorrow that we extend our condolences from South Africa on the tragic loss of lives resulting from the ill-fated crash. This devastating incident has sent shockwaves across the world and plunged countless families into grief. At this painful time, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the victims, and all those affected by this catastrophic event.