A major plane crash occurred in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday, June 12th, in the afternoon, when an Air India passenger plane, a Boeing Dreamliner 787, crashed shortly after takeoff.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, on Thursday afternoon, sent shockwaves across the nation. An Air India passenger plane bound for London, a Dreamliner Boeing 787, crashed within the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport complex during takeoff. There are fears that all 242 passengers and crew members on board perished.
The scene of the accident was horrific—a loud explosion shook the area, followed by flames and a plume of black smoke billowing into the sky. Residents of Meghaninagar and Hansol areas of Ahmedabad reported hearing a loud bang followed by a thick cloud of smoke in the sky.
Plane Collides with Structure During Takeoff
Preliminary reports suggest that as the plane was accelerating on the runway, it collided with either the airport's outer boundary wall or an under-construction structure, causing it to lose control and crash. The aircraft was engulfed in flames moments after the impact. The severity of the accident is evident from the fact that debris was scattered across the airport complex. A wing section fell onto a nearby road, damaging several vehicles.
Fire and NDRF Teams on Site, Rescue Operations Underway
Following the accident, several fire trucks and a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team arrived at the scene. Efforts to extinguish the fire began immediately. After two hours of struggle, the fire was partially controlled, but most of the plane was reduced to ashes.
The NDRF commander stated that identifying the bodies is proving difficult because the plane is completely burned. Our priority is currently to recover the bodies and complete the rescue operation, he added.
Civil Hospital on High Alert
The Civil Hospital adjacent to the airport has been placed on high alert following the accident. The hospital administration has cancelled all leaves for doctors and paramedical staff. The bodies and remains of the deceased and injured are being transported to the hospital. The state government has also released helpline numbers for the families of the victims to obtain information. An emergency meeting is being held at the Chief Minister's office to monitor the situation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have both ordered investigations into the accident. A special team has been deployed to the scene to search for the black box. Locating this device will help determine the exact cause of the accident.
