Eyewitnesses of the Air India flight crash on Thursday in Ahmedabad reported a massive explosion, followed by thick smoke and panic as people fled their homes following the tragic incident. 

A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing at least 260 on board and in the area impacted by the crash.

“The passengers were burnt beyond recognition,” one of the eyewitnesses told Newslaundry. 

Identification of the victims has become a major challenge, as many bodies were charred beyond recognition. Officials are now collecting DNA samples to confirm identities. At the same time, security agencies have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Rescue operations are underway at the crash site, with teams from the police, SDRF, NDRF, and other agencies working round the clock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site on Friday and later met with the injured at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. 

Watch our full ground report here.