Ahmedabad, India – A devastating air crash has claimed the lives of an estimated 244 people following the crash of an Air India passenger plane in Ahmedabad, India, today. Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area known as Meghani Nagar just five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM local time.
Graphic footage circulating on local television channels shows a massive plume of black smoke rising from the crash site near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The impact site is reportedly within a densely populated area, raising fears of significant casualties among both passengers and residents.
According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members. Gatwick Airport in London has confirmed that flight AI 171, scheduled to arrive at 6:25 PM local time, has crashed.
Rescue and recovery efforts are currently underway, with emergency services battling to access the crash site and account for the victims. The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time, although the DGCA has indicated a full investigation will be launched. The impact of the crash has caused widespread devastation in the affected neighbourhood, with reports of significant structural damage to nearby buildings.
Air India has issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences and confirming the establishment of a dedicated helpline for families of those on board. The airline has pledged full cooperation with the investigation into this tragic incident. The nation is in mourning as the full extent of the loss becomes clear. Further details will be released as they become available.
