AHMEDABAD – A routine international flight turned into a harrowing disaster on Wednesday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, en route to London Gatwick.
Flight AI171 plunged to the ground near the densely populated Forensic Cross Road area in Meghaninagar, just moments after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 2,00 pm local time, according to Reuters.
Authorities swiftly cordoned off the crash site as fire and rescue teams scrambled to locate survivors amid the wreckage. Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes as the aircraft descended abnormally low before a deafening explosion shattered the afternoon calm.
“It was like the sky cracked open,” said Rajesh Vankar, a shopkeeper located just 300 metres from the crash zone. “We saw flames, debris falling… people running everywhere. It was terrifying,” he told AFP.
Local residents reported the ground shook from the impact, with thick smoke rising above the scene. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and disaster response units, arrived within minutes to begin rescue operations.
In a brief statement, Air India confirmed the incident but withheld further details pending an investigation.
“Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident shortly after takeoff. We are currently gathering detailed information and will provide updates as they become available,” the airline said, as quoted by AP.
At the time of reporting, the number of confirmed fatalities remains unclear, though local sources on-site indicated a substantial loss of life. Several hospitals in Ahmedabad were placed on high alert, and trauma centres were activated to receive casualties.
The Gujarat State Police Control Room confirmed the deployment of intensive rescue efforts.
“We are still verifying the total number of victims. Rescue teams are on-site, working around the clock to evacuate survivors and secure the perimeter,” a spokesperson told Reuters.
The Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, issued an immediate directive mobilising all state departments for a coordinated emergency response. Green corridors have been established to expedite medical transfers.
“Our top priority is saving lives,” Patel said in a statement carried by AFP. “No stone will be left unturned. We are mobilising every available resource to provide swift medical care and assistance for affected families.”
Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded at the airport as relatives of passengers gathered in desperation, clinging to hope and awaiting official updates. Many wept openly, while others frantically called loved ones who were onboard.
The central government is expected to convene a special emergency session to coordinate federal support and begin formal investigations into the cause of the crash.
While theories ranging from mechanical failure to adverse weather conditions have begun circulating, experts caution against premature conclusions.
“It’s too soon to speculate. A full investigation involving India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Boeing, and potentially international aviation bodies will be necessary to determine the exact cause,” said aviation analyst Captain Ravi Malkani, speaking to AP. -MalayaDailyToday
