On Thursday, a devastating incident occurred when an Air India passenger plane, designated as flight AI 171, crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, a bustling city in northwestern India. The flight was en route to London with a total of 244 people onboard, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. Reports from local media and the airline revealed that the crash happened at approximately 1:43 p.m. local time, just five minutes after departure.
Local television channels broadcasted shocking visuals of the crash site, showing thick smoke billowing from the area near Ahmedabad Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in a residential neighborhood known as Meghani Nagar, which is home to many families within the city that boasts a population of over 5 million residents.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, confirmed to The Associated Press that the ill-fated flight was bound for Gatwick Airport in London, where it was scheduled to arrive at 6:25 p.m. local time. In response to the crash, India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, announced on social media platform X that rescue teams have been swiftly mobilized. He emphasized that all efforts are being directed towards providing immediate medical aid and relief support at the crash site, stating, “We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation.”
Notably, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine aircraft that has been in commercial service since its introduction in 2009. According to the Aviation Safety Network, this incident marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft. Over 1,000 units of this model have been delivered to various airlines worldwide, as reported by Flightradar24.
In the wake of this tragic event, Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, expressed the airline's commitment to support those affected. He shared on X that the airline has established an emergency center and a dedicated support team to aid families seeking information about their loved ones on the flight. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he stated, emphasizing the airline’s focus on providing support during this difficult time.
The crash of Air India flight AI 171 is a heartbreaking event that has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and the affected families. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and support of all individuals impacted by this tragedy.
