Ahmedabad, Jun 12: Air India flight heading to London crashed just one minute after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
The aircraft, which took off at 1:38 PM for Gatwick Airport, went down in a densely populated area of Meghani Nagar. Visuals from the crash site showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage, which is believed to have struck multiple buildings.
The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior commander with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience. According to officials, the aircraft issued a mayday call shortly after departure but then lost all contact with air traffic control.
“Flight AI171 departed from runway 23 and crashed just outside the airport perimeter. A mayday call was received before communication stopped. Heavy smoke was observed at the crash site,” said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Emergency services, including seven fire engines and multiple rescue teams, rushed to the scene. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams with 90 personnel were deployed from Gandhinagar, with more units en route from Vadodara.
While some media reports initially suggested that there were likely no survivors, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik later confirmed that one person had been found alive.
Air India confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are underway to gather complete information. All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice.
Authorities have set up a hotline (1800 5691 444) for families seeking updates on their loved ones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Civil Aviation and Home Ministers to visit the site and oversee rescue and relief operations. All relevant agencies are on high alert and joint efforts are ongoing to manage the situation. (KNS)
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