Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Up to now 275 Killed in One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters
In a tragic incident that shook the nation, an Air India flight AI-171 bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Up to now 275 people lost their lives.
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The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, lost radar contact just seconds after takeoff at 1:38 PM. It crashed into a doctors’ hostel building in Meghani Nagar, leading to a massive explosion and fire. The crash site quickly turned into a scene of devastation, with thick smoke and flames visible for miles.
Who Was Onboard?
According to Air India, there were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Among them were 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Only one person survive. This is being considered one of the deadliest crashes involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to date.
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Rescue and Relief Operations
Emergency teams including NDRF, firefighters, police, and ambulances arrived at the scene within minutes. The fire made rescue operations extremely challenging. Many bodies were burned beyond recognition, and now 275 bodies have been moved to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital so far. DNA testing may be required for identification. There is very big task to identify bodies testing DNA because bodies are burned.
PM Modi and World Leaders React
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “a tragedy beyond words” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He has ordered a high-level investigation. British PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III also issued statements of grief and solidarity.
Investigation Underway
The Indian aviation ministry has formed a joint investigation team comprising the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA. Experts from Boeing and British aviation authorities are also being involved. Preliminary reports suggest a technical failure may have occurred during takeoff, preventing the aircraft from gaining altitude.
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First Fatal Crash Involving a Dreamliner
This incident marks the first major fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, considered one of the safest aircraft in the world. The last major crashes in India occurred in Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020).
Market Impact
Following the crash, Boeing’s shares dropped by nearly 8%, as investor concerns over aircraft safety rose globally. Aviation analysts predict stricter safety reviews and regulations may follow.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a stark reminder that despite advanced technology, the safety of human life must always be paramount. As investigations continue, the world mourns with the families who lost their loved ones in this unprecedented aviation tragedy.