A horrific scene unfolded in Gujarat's capital during a hot and bright afternoon. On Thursday afternoon, Air India flight AI 171 (a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner) en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff, just five minutes into its flight. The plane carried a total of 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members.
When and Where Did the Accident Occur?
- Time: 1:38 PM local time
- Location: In the residential area of Meghani Nagar, outside Ahmedabad Airport
- The flight sent a MAYDAY code to ATC shortly after takeoff, but communication ceased moments later.
- The plane subsequently crashed into nearby houses and walls, resulting in a loud explosion and a large plume of black smoke.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Fire brigades, six NDRF teams, and ambulances rushed to the scene, along with local police and airport security personnel. Injured individuals were admitted to nearby hospitals, and those trapped in civilian buildings were rescued.
Passenger Nationalities
Passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly on board. Initial reports indicated his condition was critical, though confirmation from the Union government and Air India was pending.
Investigation into Technical Causes
- The possibility of an explosion and fire due to heavy fuel loading on the aircraft is being investigated.
- The DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are investigating the causes of the crash.
- This is the first crash involving a Boeing 787 model—marking what is believed to be the Dreamliner's first fatal accident.
Political Response
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately directed relief efforts and the control of air traffic.
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that he was personally monitoring the situation and that all agencies were actively engaged.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took note of the incident and instructed relevant authorities to provide assistance.
What Next?
Official confirmation of fatalities or survivors is yet to be released. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the flight recorders (black boxes) will be recovered to initiate a technical investigation. Air India has confirmed AI 171's involvement in the incident and tweeted that a preliminary investigation is underway. All airport flight operations have been temporarily suspended—the closure order remains in effect.
