A tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday claimed over 200 lives, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. The London-bound Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing most of the 242 people on board.
Crash and Casualties
The aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area, striking a medical college hostel during lunch hour. Authorities initially believed there were no survivors. However, police later confirmed one person survived and is currently receiving treatment.
Ahmedabad police chief GS Malik said 204 bodies have been recovered so far. Some of the dead may include people on the ground. DNA samples from relatives are being collected to help identify the victims, according to state health officials.
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Emergency and Mayday Call
Flight-tracking site Flightradar24 reported the aircraft lost signal less than a minute after takeoff at 1:38 pm local time. According to air traffic control, the pilot issued a “Mayday” call indicating an emergency, but no further communication followed.
First Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
This incident marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While the aircraft has previously faced engine-related issues, it had maintained a solid safety record until now. Aviation sources confirmed this as the model’s first fatal accident.
Nationalities and Rescue Efforts
The plane carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and 12 others of unspecified nationalities. Onboard were 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 crew members.
Footage from the scene showed flames, smoke, and scattered debris. Emergency crews worked to rescue victims and control the fire. Hospitals received the injured, and several people were moved on stretchers.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and left families across multiple countries grieving in the wake of an unthinkable tragedy.
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