Devastating Air Crash in Ahmedabad
On Thursday afternoon, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight, AI171, was headed for London Gatwick and carried 242 individuals, including 230 passengers, two pilots, and ten cabin crew members. The aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, crashed into the Meghani area of the city, erupting into a massive blaze fueled by a full tank for the international journey.
The Ahmedabad flight crash sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, triggering a rapid emergency response. Fire engines, ambulances, and police units rushed to the scene. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a formal investigation is underway, and a technical team from Boeing may be involved. At the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation of casualties. However, the scale of the incident suggests significant loss and injuries, as emergency teams continue to search and rescue survivors.
Swift Government and Emergency Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to assess the situation. CM Patel expressed deep sorrow over the incident and instructed authorities to expedite rescue and relief efforts. In a statement posted on social media, Patel announced that medical care was being urgently arranged and a green corridor established to swiftly transport injured individuals to hospitals.
“The administration is working on a war footing to ensure immediate treatment for the injured and full-scale rescue operations,” said the Chief Minister. Patel also confirmed that Amit Shah had assured him of complete cooperation from the central government. Air India released an official statement acknowledging the incident and noted that they are working closely with emergency services and providing support to those affected.
Additionally, three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Gandhinagar were deployed, with additional teams dispatched from Vadodara. An emergency centre and family support helplines have been activated by Air India to assist those seeking information.
Ahmedabad Flight Crash: Operations Suspended; National Leaders Take Action
In the wake of the crash, all flight operations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended. A spokesperson from the airport confirmed that operations would remain halted until further notice, urging passengers to stay updated via their respective airlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively monitoring the situation. He spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing both leaders to visit the Ahmedabad flight crash and ensure full support to the victims and their families. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to investigate the cause of the crash.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a heartfelt statement: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. Our priority remains to support the affected and assist emergency response teams at the site.”
As investigations unfold, the nation mourns a tragic chapter in Indian aviation history.
Air India confirms that flight Al171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad flight crash at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals.
The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.Air India will release further information via regular updates on its X handle (x.con/airindia) and on airindia.com.
