The Air India flight AI171, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at approximately 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), was en route to London Gatwick and was expected to land at 18:25 BST. Unfortunately, the aircraft lost its signal merely a minute post takeoff, at an altitude of 625 ft (190 m), according to flight data from FlightRadar24. A mayday call was made to air traffic control, but no further communication was received from the aircraft.
The crash occurred in the Meghani Nagar residential area, specifically hitting a doctors' hostel. Eyewitness accounts describe young individuals jumping from the second floor to escape the disaster. Video footage from the vicinity captured immense plumes of black smoke rising as emergency services rushed to the location to extinguish flames and aid survivors. Bodies were reportedly recovered from the crash site.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate no survivors among the 242 individuals on board, which included 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Air India has begun transporting injured people to nearby hospitals, and Gujarat’s chief minister has ordered expedited rescue and relief operations.
The involved aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has been in operational use for approximately 14 years. Air India operates a significant fleet, including over 190 aircraft, with 58 being Boeing models. Air India's chairman confirmed the establishment of an emergency support center and a hotline for families needing information.
The airline acknowledged the tragic accident on social media and stated its full cooperation with investigative efforts. Operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport are currently suspended while authorities assess the situation. India's aviation minister has emphasized the need for urgent coordination among all emergency response organizations.
In response to the tragedy, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness over the incident, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the emerging scenes from Ahmedabad as devastating. Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed joint efforts with local Indian agencies to ascertain facts and provide assistance.
The situation remains critical as authorities continue their investigations and rescue missions amidst the sorrowful aftermath of this aviation disaster.
The crash occurred in the Meghani Nagar residential area, specifically hitting a doctors' hostel. Eyewitness accounts describe young individuals jumping from the second floor to escape the disaster. Video footage from the vicinity captured immense plumes of black smoke rising as emergency services rushed to the location to extinguish flames and aid survivors. Bodies were reportedly recovered from the crash site.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate no survivors among the 242 individuals on board, which included 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Air India has begun transporting injured people to nearby hospitals, and Gujarat’s chief minister has ordered expedited rescue and relief operations.
The involved aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has been in operational use for approximately 14 years. Air India operates a significant fleet, including over 190 aircraft, with 58 being Boeing models. Air India's chairman confirmed the establishment of an emergency support center and a hotline for families needing information.
The airline acknowledged the tragic accident on social media and stated its full cooperation with investigative efforts. Operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport are currently suspended while authorities assess the situation. India's aviation minister has emphasized the need for urgent coordination among all emergency response organizations.
In response to the tragedy, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness over the incident, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the emerging scenes from Ahmedabad as devastating. Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed joint efforts with local Indian agencies to ascertain facts and provide assistance.
The situation remains critical as authorities continue their investigations and rescue missions amidst the sorrowful aftermath of this aviation disaster.
