Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has suspended all flight operations following a tragic incident in which Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. Tragically, 241 of those on board lost their lives, making it India’s deadliest single-plane air disaster.
The sole survivor, a British national, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. The flight departed from runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft issued a distress “Mayday” call to air traffic control but subsequently lost communication. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke as the aircraft crashed into a residential area near the airport perimeter. The crash site included a medical college hostel, resulting in additional casualties on the ground. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were promptly deployed to the scene. Rescue operations have concluded, and authorities are now focusing on the investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical failure, but a detailed analysis is underway. The black box from the aircraft has been recovered and is being examined to determine the exact cause of the crash. This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety and the performance of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. While the aircraft model has a strong safety record, this tragedy marks the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. The DGCA and Air India are collaborating closely with international aviation safety agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
In response to the crash, the government has pledged support to the families of the victims and is providing assistance to those affected by the incident. Condolences have been extended from both Indian and international leaders, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. As the investigation progresses, authorities are committed to uncovering the cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and continuous monitoring in the aviation industry.
Also Read :Ahmedabad Air India Crash is one of Aviation Historys worst Disaster
