An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI-171) crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, hitting a hostel building. The flight, bound for London with 242 onboard (232 passengers, 10 crew), struggled to gain altitude before plummeting.
Heart-wrenching visuals of Air India’s flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashing shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport went viral on Thursday, sending shockwaves across the nation. The aircraft, which was en route to London's Gatwick Airport, plummeted just moments after liftoff, crashing into the undergraduate hostel mess of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area.
Videos circulating online show the wide-body aircraft struggling to gain altitude, managing to reach only 625 feet before losing lift and hurtling downward. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded into a massive fireball, with thick plumes of black smoke engulfing the crash site.
The ill-fated flight was carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members. According to initial data, the passenger list comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese passengers, and one Canadian.
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Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement and said survivors were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency services, firefighters, and airline officials responded promptly to douse the flames and begin search and rescue operations.
As a mark of mourning, Air India turned its social media display pictures black, a symbolic gesture of grief and solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. The airline’s tribute was widely shared, resonating with netizens and aviation communities alike.
Other carriers also expressed condolences. IndiGo, India's largest airline, extended its support in a statement and said, "We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident near Ahmedabad airport. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families. We stand united in spirit with Air India in this very difficult time."
Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with official casualty figures yet to be confirmed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full probe.
