Special Correspondent
Ahmedabad : A tragic air disaster struck Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon as an Air India Dreamliner aircraft (Flight AI-171), en route to London, crashed near the city’s Meghani Nagar area shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including passengers and crew members. Thick plumes of smoke and the sound of explosions engulfed the area following the crash, triggering mass panic and chaos among local residents.
The ill-fated aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off from Ahmedabad at approximately 1:38 PM IST. Within just minutes of departure, the plane reportedly lost control and nosedived into a densely populated slum area near Meghani Nagar. Eyewitnesses stated the aircraft was seen tilting erratically mid-air before a loud explosion signaled its crash. Debris was scattered across residential homes, causing severe structural damage and casualties on the ground.
Emergency teams responded swiftly, with three units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) already on-site, and three more dispatched from Vadodara. Firefighters, police, and medical personnel are working tirelessly in a race against time to rescue those still trapped under the debris. The scale of destruction has made rescue operations extremely challenging. Multiple ambulances have been ferrying the injured to various city hospitals.
Preliminary reports suggest at least 50 people have died, and many more are critically injured. However, officials fear the death toll may rise significantly, possibly encompassing all 242 on board, as many bodies are yet to be recovered from the wreckage. A comprehensive list of victims is yet to be released, pending identification and family notifications. Civil society volunteers and local residents have joined rescue efforts, providing water, blankets, and logistical support.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy via social media, stating, “This is a heartbreaking and shocking incident. Both DGCA and AAIB have been directed to initiate a full investigation immediately.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to the site and conducted an on-ground review of rescue efforts. He has directed all state agencies to provide full assistance to the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has assured all possible central government support. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Every necessary step will be taken,” the PMO said in a statement.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a full-scale probe. Search teams are attempting to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Initial hypotheses include mechanical failure, a possible bird strike, or engine malfunction during takeoff. However, official confirmation will only come after a thorough technical analysis.
📞 Support and Helpline
Air India has issued a helpline for families of passengers and crew:
Helpline Number: 1800-180-1407
The airline has assured that updates regarding identified passengers will be released shortly. Counseling and emergency assistance are also being arranged for the families.
