Tragedy struck on Thursday as an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI 171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, destined for London Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members.
The crash occurred moments after the aircraft took off, with preliminary flight-path data indicating that it reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before descending at a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute. According to local officials and the airline, rescue operations are underway, and injured passengers are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Statements from Officials
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed profound sorrow, confirming the accident in a statement:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI 171 operating Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his grief over the incident and assured immediate rescue and relief efforts. In a social media post, he shared:
“I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed officials to conduct immediate rescue and relief operations and ensure swift medical care for the injured passengers.”
India’s Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, echoed these sentiments, stating:
“Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Boeing Responds
In response to the incident, Boeing issued a statement acknowledging the reports and indicating that it is working to gather more information. The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a wide-body jet designed for long-haul routes and delivered to Air India in 2014.
Impact on Airport and Markets
Due to the crash, operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been temporarily suspended, according to an airport spokesperson. Meanwhile, the incident has sent ripples through financial markets, with Boeing’s shares plummeting 7.9% in premarket trading early Thursday morning.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Local authorities and rescue teams have been mobilized to the scene to provide immediate relief and medical aid. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and police officials are actively investigating the cause of the crash.
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