Air India Flight AI171 Crash: A Day of Mourning in Ahmedabad
Tragedy Strikes Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, 265 Dead
Ahmedabad was plunged into mourning on Thursday after Air India Flight AI171, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off. The catastrophic incident, one of India's worst aviation disasters, claimed the lives of 265 people, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, expressing profound grief and assuring full support to the victims' families.
The Catastrophic Crash
At approximately 1:38 PM, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed near Ahmedabad International Airport. The aircraft, fully loaded with fuel for its long-haul journey to London's Gatwick Airport, plunged into a doctors' hostel attached to a nearby medical college in Meghaninagar, resulting in additional casualties among students and staff.
Eyewitnesses reported the jet struggling to gain altitude before it plummeted and exploded into a massive fireball. Thick plumes of black smoke were visible from miles away, causing widespread panic. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, issued a mayday call shortly after take-off before communication was lost.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Emergency response teams, including fire brigades, medical personnel, and security forces, swiftly arrived at the scene. An emergency centre has been activated to assist relatives of the victims. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated the airline is providing full support and has launched an investigation in coordination with aviation authorities.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his shock and sorrow, assuring a thorough and fair investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal inquiry, and a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines will be constituted to examine the incident in detail. The black box from the crashed flight has been recovered, which is expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the tragedy.
Casualties and Condolences
The crash resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 265 bodies brought to Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the victims.
- Total Fatalities: 265
- Onboard: 242 (232 passengers, 10 crew)
- On Ground: 23 (including medical students and a relative)
- Notable Victim: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, extended their heartfelt condolences and solidarity with India. Several countries, including the UK, have dispatched investigation teams or offered support.
Aftermath and Ongoing Efforts
The crash site was described as being filled with the stench of aviation fuel and scorched flesh, highlighting the horrific nature of the disaster. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site and met the lone survivor, British citizen Ramesh Viswashkumar, stated that the official death toll would be confirmed after DNA analysis and identification by next of kin. He lauded Gujarat's disaster management personnel for their swift response.
Political leaders across India, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed their grief and offered condolences. The Goa government declared a day of state mourning, and various public programmes were cancelled as a mark of respect for the victims.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash, with calls for a thorough examination of the aircraft's condition and maintenance history.
