Tragedy Strikes: Air India Boeing 787 Goes Down Near Ahmedabad

A recent report from Air India reveals a tragic incident involving Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The flight, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a residential neighborhood at approximately 1:38 PM IST today, marking the first deadly accident for this aircraft model.

The plane, identified as VT-ANB, experienced important altitude loss shortly after takeoff and issued an emergency mayday call before plummeting from around 625 feet into the Meghani Nagar area. This resulted in a massive fireball and thick black smoke that could be seen across the city.

Emergency responders were fast to act,sending out seven fire engines along with ambulances and teams from the National Disaster Response Force. Both Union Aviation Minister ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Home Minister amit Shah have activated central agencies to support local efforts.

Kinjara Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his shock over the event. “We are on high alert,” he stated.“I’m closely monitoring developments and have instructed all aviation and emergency services to coordinate effectively. Rescue operations are underway with medical assistance being prioritized for those affected.”

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry into the crash, which preliminary reports suggest occurred just five minutes post-departure.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, shared his condolences via X: “it is indeed with deep sorrow that I confirm our flight AI 171 was involved in this tragic accident today.” He added that their main focus is on providing support to those impacted by this disaster while coordinating with emergency teams at the scene.

An emergency center has been established for families seeking information about their loved ones affected by this incident. meanwhile,Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has confirmed it is currently closed; all flights have been suspended until further notice.

This unfortunate event marks a significant moment in aviation history as it represents the first fatality associated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner according to records from aviation safety databases.

(This story is still developing)