In a devastating tragedy, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, at approximately 3:20 PM IST.
The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, G.S. Malik, has confirmed that all 242 people on board—230 passengers and 12 crew members—are believed to have perished in the disaster. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian citizen.
The aircraft plummeted into the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood, striking a doctors' hostel affiliated with a local medical college. The impact caused catastrophic damage, with dense smoke and flames engulfing the crash site, hampering rescue efforts. Authorities have reported additional casualties on the ground, including at least five medical students who were inside the hostel at the time of the crash.
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The exact number of ground fatalities is still being assessed as emergency response teams, including the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local fire services, work tirelessly to navigate the wreckage.
Preliminary reports suggest the flight experienced a critical failure shortly after takeoff, though the cause remains under investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation experts are expected to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion followed by a massive fireball, with debris scattered across a wide area, exacerbating the chaos in the residential neighborhood.
The crash has sent shockwaves through India and the international community, with condolences pouring in for the victims and their families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.” Air India has activated a crisis response team to assist affected families and is cooperating fully with authorities.
As rescue operations continue, the focus is shifting to identifying the victims and providing support to the affected families, both from the flight and the ground casualties. The tragedy underscores the profound impact of aviation disasters, not only on those aboard but also on communities caught in their wake.
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