A devastating aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad today when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in a densely populated residential area near Meghani Nagar, just minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Eyewitnesses reported a terrifying scene. “There was a loud explosion, followed by a massive fireball. People were screaming and running for safety,” said Jignesh Patel, a local resident. Thick black smoke billowed from the crash site, visible across the city.
Emergency teams, including fire brigades, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and medical personnel, rushed to the scene. Rescue efforts were hampered by narrow streets and widespread debris. A green corridor was set up to speed up the transfer of injured survivors to nearby hospitals.
Flight tracking data showed the plane took off at 1:38 p.m. IST, climbed to 625 feet, and then suddenly descended at a rapid rate before crashing within a minute. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause, but initial reports suggest possible engine failure or technical issues.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched a high-level investigation involving the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and Boeing experts. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu called the incident a “national tragedy” and assured a thorough probe. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the crash site and hospitals, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged full central government support.
This marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft known for its advanced safety features. Investigators are working to recover the black box to determine the exact cause.
