A devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, has claimed the lives of more than 240 people after an Air India passenger flight bound for London went down shortly after takeoff.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into a residential area near the airport just five minutes after departure. Black smoke billowed from the wreckage as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and rescue efforts began.

Indian television reports indicate that the aircraft struck the dining area of a medical college hostel, though it remains unclear if students were present at the time. Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that there were no known survivors from the crash, adding that casualties on the ground were still being assessed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash "heartbreaking beyond words," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "devastating." The British government has pledged support for affected families, as 53 British nationals were among those on board.

Aviation experts are now working to determine the cause of the crash. The Boeing 787-8, introduced in 2009, had never been involved in a fatal accident before this incident. Investigators will analyze flight data to understand what led to the tragedy.

This marks the first crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, adding to Boeing’s recent struggles following previous incidents involving its 737 Max model. The timing of the crash is particularly significant, occurring just days before the Paris Air Show, where Boeing and Airbus were set to showcase their latest aircraft.

As authorities continue their investigation, families and loved ones of the victims await answers. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of stringent safety measures.