Aviation Desk
Ahmedabad, India:
A massive tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon when an Air India passenger aircraft, carrying over 200 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Authorities fear heavy casualties, though official confirmation is still pending.
The aircraft, Flight AI171, was en route from Ahmedabad to London. Eyewitnesses reported a mid-air explosion moments after takeoff, followed by a rapid descent and fiery impact in the Meghani Nagar area, close to the airport. A huge plume of smoke and flames was seen rising from the crash site.
Initial reports suggest the plane struck nearby buildings before bursting into flames. Panic gripped the surrounding neighborhoods as residents rushed out after hearing a deafening explosion.
Emergency response was swift. Police, fire services, medical teams, and disaster response forces reached the scene within minutes. Rescue efforts are ongoing. The crash site and nearby roads have been sealed off to the public.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed deep concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring developments.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in coordination with Air India, has launched a full investigation. Mechanical failure, pilot error, and weather conditions are all being considered as possible causes.
While no official fatality count has been released, local media reports suggest that over 100 lives may have been lost in the crash. Authorities are yet to confirm any numbers.
This incident could become one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent memory. Updates on casualties, survivors, and the exact cause are expected soon.
