Air India Flight to London Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad 242 Onboard
A shocking aviation incident occurred this afternoon as an Air India flight heading to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, India. The flight, numbered AI171, had 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, totaling 242 people.
What Happened
According to early reports from Indian authorities, the aircraft crashed just five minutes after takeoff at around 1:38 PM local time. The plane reportedly went down in a residential area called Meghani Nagar, just outside the Ahmedabad airport perimeter.
Videos shared online show thick smoke rising near the crash site, while emergency teams can be seen rushing to the scene. Victims were spotted being carried on stretchers, and ambulances were actively transporting the injured.
Official Responses
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed his grief on social media, stating he was “shocked and devastated.” He confirmed that emergency services have been deployed and that every possible effort is being made to rescue survivors and provide medical help.
“I am closely monitoring the situation. Rescue teams are on the ground, and immediate relief efforts are underway,” the minister said.
Air India released a statement saying:
“Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an incident today. We are still confirming all details and will update the public as soon as possible.”
Gatwick Airport also confirmed the flight was scheduled to land at 6:25 PM UK time.
Historic Crash of a Boeing 787
This tragic event marks the first recorded crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The 787 is a modern twin-engine widebody aircraft that has completed millions of successful flights worldwide since its debut in 2011.
Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations at the crash site. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by India’s Directorate of Civil Aviation. Updates are expected as the situation develops.
