A devastating tragedy unfolded in Gujarat, India, when an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport. Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 people and was en route to London Gatwick. The crash occurred around 1:38 PM local time, just moments after the aircraft left the runway.
What Happened?
Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and sent a distress signal just seconds later. According to flight tracking services, the plane reached an altitude of only 625 feet before plummeting into a residential area called Meghani Nagar on the city’s outskirts. The area is densely populated, adding to the scale of destruction.
Rescue workers have recovered 30–35 bodies so far. Many more are feared dead, and as of now, there have been no confirmed survivors. Officials are still working at the crash site to find more victims and assess the damage.
Who Was Onboard?
Air India confirmed that the passengers included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian national
The airline expressed deep sorrow, calling the event a “tragic accident.” You can read the latest updates from Air India’s official website.
Government Reaction On Air India Crash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words” and said he is in constant contact with relevant authorities. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been directed to take all necessary actions.
Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda also expressed condolences and assured that medical teams are on the ground to assist the injured.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, head of the DGCA, confirmed that the crash site includes the rooftop of a hostel for medical students at B.J. Medical College. Many young doctors and students are among the casualties.
Horrifying Footage and Eyewitness Accounts About Air Ind8a Crash
Videos circulating on social media show the air india crash aircraft engulfed in flames, thick black smoke billowing into the sky, and injured individuals being rushed into ambulances.
A senior police officer at the scene said nearly 80% of the area has been cleared, but rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Sunil Vaidya, a local journalist, reported that the air india crash site is just meters from a major civil hospital. “It’s complete chaos. Families are desperately searching for information, but updates are limited,” he told reporters.
How Serious Is This?
Aviation analysts have called this one of the worst air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a solid reputation for safety. Until now, there has never been a fatal accident involving this aircraft type since its introduction 15 years ago.
According to aviation expert Alex Macheras, “This is a shock to the global aviation industry. The Dreamliner is considered one of the safest long-haul jets ever built.”
What’s Being Done Now?
Over 90 emergency workers are currently on-site. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mobilized all aviation and emergency response agencies. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is “personally monitoring the situation.”
A dedicated emergency center has also been set up by Air India to assist the families of those on board. Updates are expected to be released through India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
A Look at Air India’s Past Incidents
While Air India generally maintains a safety record similar to international standards, it has had a few major crashes in its history:
- 1966: Flight 101 crashed into Mont Blanc in France, killing 117 people.
- 1978: Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea, killing 213 people.
- 1985: Flight 182 was destroyed by a bomb midair, killing all 329 passengers.
- 1982: Flight 403 crashed during landing, leading to 17 deaths.
The airline, now owned by the Tata Group since 2021, has been undergoing a major transformation to improve service and safety.
Other Boeing Safety Concerns
This tragic event follows years of scrutiny on Boeing’s safety practices. The Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally after two major crashes in 2018 and 2019. More recently, in January 2024, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a door panel blowout midair. These issues have sparked widespread concern about Boeing’s quality control.
Adding to the controversy, whistleblower and former Boeing employee John Barnett died in 2024 while testifying in a lawsuit about alleged safety flaws in the company’s aircraft manufacturing processes.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, families around the world are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The incident has not only shocked India but also raised global questions about aviation safety.
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Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time.
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