Tragedy Strikes: Over 91 Feared Dead as Air India Boeing 787 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Rescue Operations Underway
Tragedy Strikes: Over 91 Feared Dead as Air India Boeing 787 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Rescue Operations Underway
An Air India flight heading to London crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 91 people, according to early rescue reports as mentioned in Indian Express. The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, struck a building identified as a doctors’ hostel near the airport boundary, causing a massive fire and panic in the area.
Flight AI-171 was carrying 242 people, including 217 adults and 11 children. The aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport in the UK and had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian onboard.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM and crashed moments later. Air traffic control said the crew issued a “Mayday” distress signal shortly after takeoff but lost contact immediately after.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, along with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had over 1,100 hours of flight experience.
Television footage showed thick black smoke and flames billowing from the crash site. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and taking them to nearby hospitals. Rescue workers said about 70–80% of the affected area had been cleared so far.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it is closely monitoring the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern and directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to travel to Ahmedabad and oversee rescue operations. He has also asked officials to ensure full support for victims and their families.
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani is feared to be among the passengers, but confirmation is awaited.
