Catastrophic Air India Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Numerous Lives
Catastrophic Air India Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Numerous Lives
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, tragically crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad this afternoon. The devastating incident, which occurred between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM IST, has resulted in a significant loss of life, with reports indicating no survivors from among those on board the aircraft.
Helpline numbers: 011-24610843 | 9650391859 | 1800 5691 444 (Air India)
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, departed at approximately 1:38 PM IST and reportedly reached a maximum altitude of around 825 feet before rapidly descending. Eye-witness accounts and initial reports suggest the plane plummeted into the B.J. Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area just outside the airport perimeter. Haunting visuals from the crash site show a massive fireball and thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, with debris scattered widely. Disturbingly, images from inside the affected hostel building revealed uneaten food on dining tables, hinting at the sudden and brutal impact.
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, tragically crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad this afternoon. The devastating incident, which occurred between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM IST, has resulted in a significant loss of life, with reports indicating no survivors from among those on board the aircraft.
Helpline numbers: 011-24610843 | 9650391859 | 1800 5691 444 (Air India)
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, departed at approximately 1:38 PM IST and reportedly reached a maximum altitude of around 825 feet before rapidly descending. Eye-witness accounts and initial reports suggest the plane plummeted into the B.J. Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area just outside the airport perimeter. Haunting visuals from the crash site show a massive fireball and thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, with debris scattered widely. Disturbingly, images from inside the affected hostel building revealed uneaten food on dining tables, hinting at the sudden and brutal impact.
Crash site Engulfed in Flames
Among the 242 individuals on board, the manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience, had issued a 'Mayday' call shortly after takeoff, but further communication with Air Traffic Control ceased immediately thereafter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking beyond words." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also conveyed his devastation, noting the presence of many British nationals on the flight. Leaders and officials from various countries have extended their condolences and solidarity with India.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigades, and medical personnel rushing to the scene. Over two dozen ambulances were deployed, and injured individuals from the affected ground area were transported to nearby hospitals. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's operations were temporarily suspended following the crash, leading to flight diversions and cancellations.
While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, aviation experts are exploring several possibilities, including catastrophic engine failure or a potential bird strike that may have prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient lift. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner model has faced scrutiny for technical issues in the past, and investigations will delve into the aircraft's maintenance history and any potential manufacturing shortcuts, as raised by a Boeing whistleblower previously.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has confirmed the incident and stated that their primary focus is on providing support to the affected families. The airline has also blacked out its social media profile pictures and headers as a mark of respect for the victims. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a full probe into the incident, with technical experts from Boeing expected to join the investigation.
This tragic event marks a grim day in Indian aviation history, bringing back memories of past air disasters. The nation mourns the immense loss of life and stands united in grief, with various public figures, including Bollywood star Salman Khan, cancelling events in solidarity with the victims and their families. The focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, and a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the precise cause of this devastating accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking beyond words." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also conveyed his devastation, noting the presence of many British nationals on the flight. Leaders and officials from various countries have extended their condolences and solidarity with India.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigades, and medical personnel rushing to the scene. Over two dozen ambulances were deployed, and injured individuals from the affected ground area were transported to nearby hospitals. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's operations were temporarily suspended following the crash, leading to flight diversions and cancellations.
While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, aviation experts are exploring several possibilities, including catastrophic engine failure or a potential bird strike that may have prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient lift. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner model has faced scrutiny for technical issues in the past, and investigations will delve into the aircraft's maintenance history and any potential manufacturing shortcuts, as raised by a Boeing whistleblower previously.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has confirmed the incident and stated that their primary focus is on providing support to the affected families. The airline has also blacked out its social media profile pictures and headers as a mark of respect for the victims. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a full probe into the incident, with technical experts from Boeing expected to join the investigation.
This tragic event marks a grim day in Indian aviation history, bringing back memories of past air disasters. The nation mourns the immense loss of life and stands united in grief, with various public figures, including Bollywood star Salman Khan, cancelling events in solidarity with the victims and their families. The focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, and a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the precise cause of this devastating accident.
Comments
Post a Comment