Just minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed, leaving families, friends, and a nation in shock.
Here’s what happened and what we know so far.
The Devastating Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The Air India flight, known as AI171, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m.
It was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern plane trusted by airlines worldwide. But something went wrong shortly after it left the runway.
The plane crashed into a residential area near the airport, sending thick grey smoke into the sky. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but the news was heartbreaking.
The police commissioner reported that there appeared to be no survivors among the 242 passengers and crew.
The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Among them were 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. The pilots, Captain Sumit Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, made a desperate Mayday call to air traffic control just before the crash.
Rescue operations began immediately, with firefighters and 400 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel working to save anyone they could.
Sadly, early reports suggest the chances of finding survivors are slim.
The crash shook India and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, saying his thoughts were with the victims’ families.
Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, ordered urgent rescue and relief efforts. He also arranged a “green corridor” to rush any injured to hospitals, though no survivors have been confirmed yet.
Air India set up a hotline (1800 5691 444) for families seeking information about their loved ones.
The crash site, near Meghaninagar, showed the scale of the tragedy. Photos showed firefighters battling flames and smoke rising from the wreckage.
Air India blacked out its social media accounts in mourning, and leaders from Australia and the UK shared their condolences.
Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, said it was gathering information about the incident. This was the first fatal crash for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a plane known for its safety record.
What’s Next?
Investigators are now working to find out why the plane crashed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the effort, looking at flight data and the Mayday call for clues.
The crash has raised questions about air safety and what could have gone wrong with such a modern aircraft. For now, families wait for answers, hoping for closure after this terrible loss.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a reminder of how quickly life can change. As the investigation continues, the world stands with those affected, honoring the memory of the 242 lives lost.
