A major aviation tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon as an Air India flight bound for London crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, operating as flight AI171 and carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in a residential area near Meghaninagar, triggering panic and widespread devastation.
Crash near residential area in Meghaninagar
According to aviation authorities, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed from Runway 23 at 1:38 pm IST and crashed five minutes later near the Forensic Cross Road, close to the IGB Ground in Meghaninagar. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress call shortly after takeoff. However, no further communication was received before it crashed just outside the airport perimeter.
"Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23 fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy smoke was seen coming from the accident site," a DGCA official stated.
Eyewitness accounts and emergency response
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion, followed by flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Visuals from the crash site showed scenes of chaos as residents rushed out of their homes and emergency services scrambled to respond.
Fire brigade units, local police, and ambulances were deployed immediately. At least seven fire engines were seen working to contain the blaze. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been mobilised to support rescue and recovery efforts. Officials have yet to confirm the number of casualties or survivors as rescue operations continue.
The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flight experience. Among the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens, according to updated information.
ATC and DGCA statements
As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) and made an emergency MAYDAY call moments after departure. Following that call, there was no further communication from the crew.
The DGCA has confirmed that a high-level investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated. The crash site has been cordoned off, and authorities have asked residents to avoid the area to facilitate rescue operations.
Government response: PM Modi sends top officials
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing them to travel to Ahmedabad to oversee relief efforts and ensure all possible support is extended to the victims and their families.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. "I have directed officials to begin rescue and relief operations immediately and ensure that injured passengers receive urgent medical attention on a war footing," he said. He added that a green corridor was being arranged to facilitate the rapid movement of the injured to hospitals.
Also Read: Plane with 242 on board crashes in Ahmedabad
Civil Aviation Minister's statement
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed shock and grief over the crash. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” he said in a post on X.
He added that rescue teams have been mobilised and all necessary steps are being taken to provide medical assistance and relief at the crash site. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he added.
Airport Operations suspended
In the aftermath of the crash, all operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad have been temporarily suspended. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that flight movements will remain halted until further notice.
Air India has issued an official acknowledgment of the incident and activated emergency protocols. A dedicated passenger support hotline has been set up at 1800 5691 444 to provide updates and assistance to families of those on board. The airline and aviation authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Also Read: Air India, DGCA issue statements on flight captain & crew
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