The crash, involving Air India flight AI171, occurred in a residential area, and efforts for rescue are underway as details continue to emerge.
**Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad**
**Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad**
A passenger plane heading to London Gatwick met with disaster just minutes post-departure, leaving many casualties.
An Air India passenger aircraft en route to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, prompting widespread concern and emergency responses. The incident, described by the airline as a “tragic accident,” involved more than 240 individuals on board, and involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The flight took off at approximately 1:39 PM local time (08:09 GMT), but flight tracking services noted the signal from the aircraft was lost within a minute of departure, reaching an altitude of only 625 feet before a mayday call was made to air traffic control. Reports indicate that the plane subsequently crashed into the Meghani Nagar neighborhood, impacting a hostel for doctors, prompting residents in the vicinity to flee the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue trapped individuals.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with videos showing substantial black smoke billowing from the crash site. The local police have reported, without official confirmation, fears of no survivors within the aircraft, and speculations of fatalities among local residents at the crash site.
Among the 242 onboard, passengers included 53 British nationals, 169 from India, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Air India has initiated a response to offer medical assistance, with passengers being taken to nearby hospitals as emergency teams mobilize for rescue operations.
The ill-fated Dreamliner was part of a fleet operated by Air India, which has over 190 aircraft, including 58 Boeing models. The Civil Aviation Minister of India instructed emergency response teams to act swiftly, while Air India's chairman mentioned an activation of an emergency center for families seeking information about their loved ones.
As the news broke, leaders from both India and the UK expressed their condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer conveyed their shock, with calls for comprehensive investigations into the cause of this disaster. Sir Keir described the scenes from Ahmedabad as “devastating” and expressed his support for affected families.
Boeing, acknowledging the incident, stated they are in communication with Air India and are prepared to assist as necessary, reflecting the industry's responsibility towards safety and crisis management. Meanwhile, details are evolving, warranting close attention from authorities, families, and the global aviation community as investigations continue.
