AHMEDABAD — A glimmer of hope emerged from tragedy as a lone survivor was found after an Air India flight bound for London crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers, exploded into flames shortly after takeoff, slamming into a nearby hostel and killing several on the ground. Indian rescue teams worked overnight through the charred wreckage.

Authorities initially believed no one survived, but later confirmed that one man made it out alive. Gujarat health secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said the survivor was receiving hospital treatment.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the crash site and the hospital, confirmed meeting the survivor. Media reports identified him as 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who had been seated in 11A. His family in the UK confirmed he had called to say he was safe, despite injuries.

Air India is arranging special flights to bring victims’ families to Ahmedabad, where DNA testing is being conducted to identify the dead. Many bodies were badly burned due to the explosion caused by the fully fueled aircraft.

The crash has left behind scenes of deep grief, with families mourning lost loved ones who were traveling to or from the UK.