Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Reuters

Ahmedabad:

In a devastating tragedy that has shaken the entire country, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, operating as flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff today. The flight, carrying 242 people on board—including 232 passengers and 10 crew members—crashed into a hostel building meant for medical college students, killing several people on the ground.

Crash Details and Timeline

According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the incident occurred at 1:38 PM IST, barely minutes after the aircraft lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANR, failed to gain proper altitude and was seen struggling to climb, according to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage near the airport.

One horrifying video circulating on social media shows the plane flying extremely low over buildings before it plunged downwards, crashing into the north block of the medical college hostel building. A large explosion followed immediately, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and sparking panic among local residents.

Lives Lost on Ground and in Air

The hostel that the aircraft crashed into houses students from Ahmedabad Medical College. Five medical students lost their lives instantly as their rooms were directly hit by debris and the impact force of the aircraft. Officials confirmed that food plates were still visible on dining hall tables when debris and burning fuel burst through the walls, indicating students were having lunch at the time.

As of the latest update, the number of casualties among passengers and crew members is feared to be extremely high, although a final figure is awaited. Many were trapped inside the burning wreckage despite rapid rescue operations.

Pilot’s Last Communication

Just moments after takeoff, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was commanding the flight, sent out a “mayday” emergency call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). According to aviation expert Sanjay Lazar, the plane had only reached 825 feet in altitude before it began descending uncontrollably.

ATC recordings reveal that after the mayday call, there was no further communication from the cockpit, raising questions about what exactly went wrong within those final 30 seconds. First Officer Clive Kundar, who was assisting the captain, had over 1,100 hours of flying experience, while Captain Sabharwal had clocked more than 8,200 hours.

Explosion and Fire

Due to its long route to London, the aircraft’s fuel tanks were nearly full, resulting in a massive explosion on impact. Fire department officials said it took over three hours to control the blaze, as the aviation fuel kept reigniting smaller fires in debris piles.

Local residents described the terrifying sound of the crash. “We heard a loud roaring noise, and within seconds, there was an earth-shaking blast,” said 52-year-old Mahesh Patel, who lives two buildings away from the hostel. “When we rushed outside, flames were coming out of the hostel windows, and the sky turned black with smoke.”

Emergency Response

Emergency crews, including 24 ambulances, multiple fire tenders, and disaster response teams, arrived at the crash site swiftly. Police cordoned off roads leading to the hostel to facilitate unhindered rescue and relief operations. Injured students and some residents were rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and Sterling Hospital nearby.

Rescue workers described the scene as chaotic, with burning debris scattered over a large area. “The wreckage was completely charred. It was difficult to even identify parts of the fuselage,” said an official from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Passenger Nationalities

Among the 232 passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese passengers. Air India has set up a dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) for the families of passengers to get updates and receive support.

Government Response and Investigations

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board AI171 and their families. I have directed DGCA and Air India to conduct a thorough investigation. Emergency services are on-site, and every effort is being made to support affected families.”

The DGCA has launched a high-level investigation into the crash. Boeing has been informed and will send a technical team to assist in determining the cause. Initial speculations suggest possible engine failure or technical malfunction, but officials emphasize that it is too early to confirm anything until black box data is retrieved and analyzed.

Shockwaves Across the Nation

This tragedy is being called one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history, with parallels drawn to the Air India Express Mangalore crash in 2010. The crash has sparked debates on aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and airport emergency readiness.

Students of Ahmedabad Medical College held a candlelight vigil this evening to remember their friends who lost their lives in the hostel. Many were seen crying inconsolably as ambulances carried away the injured.

About Flight AI171

Flight AI171 was scheduled to depart Ahmedabad at 1:20 PM IST and arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 6:35 PM local time. The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the newest in Air India’s fleet, known for fuel efficiency and long-haul comfort.

The Path Ahead

Families of passengers gathered at Ahmedabad airport were seen crying and praying for any good news. Air India has promised full support and compensation to families of victims. Counseling services have also been activated for traumatised students and witnesses.

As rescue operations continue and investigation teams arrive at the site, the nation mourns this immense loss of life, and questions about aviation safety standards are expected to be at the forefront in the coming days.

More details will emerge as officials examine flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders retrieved from the site.