Air-India-Plane-With-242-Onboard-Crashes-Minutes-After-Takeoff-in-AhmedabadAir India Dreamliner crashes in Ahmedabad after takeoff, rescue operations in full swing

 

A major tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed minutes after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, which was flying as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential part that was packed with people in Meghani Nagar.

There were 242 individuals on board, consisting of 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew. The ground was blanketed with thick black smoke as the plane blew up during impact. Authorities are yet to confirm fatalities, although suspicion of massive casualties is at an all-time high.

 

Heavy Fuel Load Made Fire Worse

 

The plane had just lifted off at about 1:30 PM. It was fully loaded with fuel for the long flight to London. That fuel contributed to a massive explosion and fire upon its crash.

The plane was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. Dispatches report that pilots made a distress call before they lost contact with air traffic control.

The plane crashed into a doctor’s hostel, engulfing the hostel in flames and destroying adjacent houses. Residents reported that the ground shook and fire surrounded them.

 

Emergency Responders Arrive at Scene in Minutes

 

The police, fire department, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) responders hurried to the crash scene. The NDRF dispatched three teams from Gandhinagar and three from Vadodara.

Rescue efforts started within minutes. A green corridor was made to rush injured individuals to hospitals in a hurry. The roads in the vicinity were blocked for emergency teams.

A top police official said, “Most of the area has been cleared. Rescue operations are on in full swing.”

 

Ahmedabad Airport Closes Down, Railways Intervene

 

All inbound and outbound flights to and from Ahmedabad have been cancelled until further notice. Indian Railways announced that to assist stranded travelers, it would be sending Vande Bharat trains to major cities.

 

Government Sends Top Ministers

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and requested them to go to Ahmedabad. Shah also had a conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who is keeping an eye on the situation and has ordered officials to hasten rescue operations.

 

Probe Begins, Boeing to Aid

 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed a complete inquiry. Experts are being dispatched to the scene by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). A technical team from Boeing is likely to assist in determining the cause.

 

Passengers From Various Nations on Board

 

Air India reported that the passenger list comprises 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The UK government confirmed that it is coordinating with Indian authorities and has established a helpline for worried families.

 

Responses of Air India and Industry Leaders

 

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated, “We are saddened deeply. Our teams are assisting emergency responders and taking care of the families.”

Gautam Adani also shared his condolences on X and stated that his team is coordinating with authorities.

The airport has asked people to avoid going there and check with airlines for further information. Rescue operations are still in progress.

 

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

Disclaimer: The authenticity of the video cannot be independently verified. The footage has been sourced from the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Press Trust of India (PTI).