By Brian Kiplimo
A devastating aviation disaster unfolded in western India on Thursday when Air India flight AI171 crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing and injuring dozens. The flight was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew.
Among those on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, according to an official statement from Air India. The passengers included 217 adults and 11 children.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed from runway 23 at 1:38 PM local time (0808 GMT). Shortly after liftoff, the flight crew issued a “Mayday” distress call, indicating a serious emergency. Within moments, the plane vanished from radar and communication was lost.
Television footage and eyewitness accounts described the horror: the plane flying low over a residential zone before erupting into a massive fireball, sending thick, black smoke into the sky. The aircraft came down on a building identified as a doctor’s hostel, located just a few kilometers from the airport.
“It was like an earthquake,” said one witness who lives near the crash site. “There was a loud roar, then an explosion. We saw flames and ran outside.”
Emergency Response Underway
First responders, including police, fire, and medical teams, rushed to the scene. Authorities confirmed that the rescue operation began immediately, with dozens of injured victims transported to local hospitals.
“We have cleared about 70% to 80% of the area and will continue until the entire site is secured,” said a senior police officer at the scene.
Images from the site show twisted metal, scattered debris, and emergency crews carrying the wounded on stretchers through smoke and rubble. Firefighters worked to contain the flames as anxious onlookers gathered nearby.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Air India expressed its condolences and promised ongoing support for the affected families:
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.”
Investigation Launched
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Aviation authorities in India, in collaboration with international experts and Boeing representatives, are expected to begin analyzing flight data and cockpit voice recordings as soon as they are recovered from the wreckage.
India’s federal health minister, speaking from New Delhi, described the incident as a national tragedy and confirmed that multiple casualties had been reported, though exact numbers have not yet been officially released.
A National Mourning
The crash has sent shockwaves across India and beyond, as families and diplomatic missions scramble for information about the victims. In London, UK authorities have activated emergency protocols to assist families of British citizens who were on board.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation later today. Flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast, and a moment of silence was observed in Parliament this afternoon.
This incident marks one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent years and raises serious questions about flight safety protocols, aircraft maintenance, and air traffic control systems.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue through the night, the world watches and mourns with the victims’ families—awaiting answers, and hoping for survivors.
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