Ahmedabad, India – A nation is in mourning today after Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Authorities have confirmed a staggering 260 fatalities, including those on board the aircraft and residents on the ground. Miraculously, one passenger has survived the horrific crash and is currently receiving medical attention.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 1:39 PM local time (10:09 AM Paris time) as the aircraft gained altitude. Witnesses report the plane suddenly lost power and plummeted into a densely populated residential area, impacting a building housing medical staff and students. The resulting explosion and fire engulfed nearby structures, contributing to the high number of fatalities on the ground.
According to preliminary reports, the flight was carrying 230 passengers – 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian – along with 12 crew members. The sole survivor has been identified as a 40-year-old British national, seated in 11A, who remarkably walked away from the wreckage. He reportedly recounted to family, “I have no idea how I got out of that plane.”
“The situation is devastating,” stated Police Commissioner Vidhi Chaudhary. “We are working tirelessly to recover remains and provide assistance to the families of the victims. At least 19 people on the ground were also killed when the aircraft impacted residential buildings.”
The airline has established an emergency cell at Gatwick Airport to provide support and information to concerned relatives. The Gujarat state government has requested DNA samples from families to aid in identifying the deceased. Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has pledged 110 million euros in compensation to the families of each victim and will cover medical expenses for the injured.
Investigation Underway, Boeing Cooperating
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The aircraft had reportedly sent out a Mayday call before losing contact with air traffic control. The damaged flight recorder is expected to provide crucial clues.
Boeing issued a statement confirming its awareness of the incident and pledged full cooperation with investigators. A team of investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are en route to India to assist in the investigation.
"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us all,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “My thoughts are with all those affected.”
The crash marks a dark day for aviation in India, a nation experiencing rapid growth in air travel. The investigation is expected to be lengthy and complex, as authorities seek answers and strive to prevent similar tragedies in the future.