A tragic incident took place in Ahmedabad where a plane crash during take on June 12. There were a total 242 people onboard.
Today, a Air India Flight AI-171 Ahmedabad-London crash in newly building construction site of BJ Medical College and hostel near Airport in Meghani area. The plane crash during takeoff from Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad in afternoon.
The Ahmedabad Air India flight crashes into BJ Medical College hostel, killing 5 students and injuring many
According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there were 242 people on board, among them 230 passenger, 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Among the passenger 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The plane was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, with first officer Clive Kundar.
This aircraft departed from Airport at 1:39 pm from runway 23, in just 5 minutes after take off it crashed.
The Air India flight was heavily fueled for its long-haul journey to London, which intensified the explosion and fire following the crash. Multiple fire engines and ambulances rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations, which remain ongoing.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of casualties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a formal investigation into the incident. A technical team from Boeing may also assist in examining the cause of the crash.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement, but aviation experts believe the large fuel load for the international flight may have significantly worsened the fire, making rescue efforts more difficult. The airport has shut down after the plane crash.
Air India Confirms Plane Crash in Ahmedabad
The Air India stated, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
PM Modi Speaks to Civil Aviation Minister, Orders Swift Response
Following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to assess the situation. The Prime Minister directed the minister to personally oversee rescue and relief efforts on the ground.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Minister Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad and has been asked to ensure all necessary support is provided without delay. The Prime Minister also requested regular updates on the situation.
All relevant agencies have been placed on high alert, and coordinated emergency response efforts are currently underway.
