Ahmedabad, India – A huge dark smoke cloud filled the sky after an Air India plane crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off on Thursday, killing more than 200 people.

The aircraft, headed for London’s Gatwick Airport, came down during lunch hour, smashing into the B.J. Medical College hostel just outside Ahmedabad airport. Parts of the plane were scattered around the building. Its tail was stuck on top.

There were 242 people on board. Police confirmed at least one survivor. He described hearing a loud noise just after take-off and said he could not find his brother, who was seated elsewhere on the plane.

Police said the dead include passengers and people on the ground. Federal officials confirmed that Vijay Rupani, former chief minister of Gujarat, was among the victims.

More than 50 injured are in hospitals at present. Authorities believe the death toll may rise and that some injured people might survive.

Relatives were asked to give DNA samples to help identify bodies. Officials said residents in the area were also injured.

The plane struck the dining area of the hostel, killing many medical students.

Passengers included 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. Air India said 169 were Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flying since 2013 and delivered to Air India in 2014. This was the model’s first ever crash.

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