Ahmedabad: A devastating crash involving an Air India Dreamliner shook Ahmedabad this afternoon, with over 100 feared dead and many more injured after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff. Authorities are yet to confirm the official number of casualties.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 registered as VT-ANB, had departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm, bound for London. Barely five minutes into the flight, the aircraft plunged from the sky, sending thick black smoke over the densely packed Meghaninagar neighbourhood and unleashing panic across the area.
Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion followed by a trail of fire and smoke, visible for kilometres. The plane was carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British and six Portuguese nationals, and a crew of 12. Emergency responders were rushed to the scene, with five firefighting units deployed from across the city to contain the aftermath.
Initial information suggests the crash occurred during routine operations. “Emergency response teams were mobilised immediately. Fire suppression is underway as a precaution,” said a senior official with the city’s fire and emergency services.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar. While the full extent of damage is still being assessed, senior officials confirmed that many onboard are feared to have perished, and others have sustained injuries. Official confirmation of the casualty count is still pending.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed soon after the incident and held a phone call with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah, in turn, spoke with Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the state’s Home Minister, and Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner. He assured them of the Centre’s full support in managing the crisis.
Airport authorities have initiated an internal probe, while a technical team is combing the wreckage for early clues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is also closely tracking the situation. As of now, the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
