Ahmedabad – An Air India flight, AI171 (Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner), crashed this afternoon just seconds after takeoff near the Meghaninagar area, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 242 passengers and crew members were on board. Eyewitnesses stated that a part of the aircraft crashed onto a nearby building, and thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the crash site.
Fire brigade, police, ambulances, and NDRF teams rushed to the spot and rescue operations are underway at full speed. So far, no official figures for casualties or injuries have been released.
A detailed investigation into the incident is ongoing. Experts from DGCA, Air India, and Boeing are examining the possible cause of the crash. The black box retrieval operation has also commenced.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu are monitoring the situation closely. The central and state administrations are coordinating rescue efforts.
It has been initially confirmed by Gujarat BJP officials and close aides that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board the ill-fated flight.
Passenger & Crew Details (Total: 242 onboard)
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Passengers: 230
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Crew Members: 12 (including 2 pilots & 10 cabin crew)
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Indians: 169
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British: 53
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Portuguese: 7
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Canadian: 1
