By Atoyebi Nike
A London-bound Air India flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Thursday afternoon, plummeting into the Meghani area of the city and igniting a massive fireball.
Flight AI171 was carrying 242 individuals — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — when it went down just minutes into its journey to London Gatwick. The aircraft, heavily fueled for the long-haul route, burst into flames upon impact, complicating rescue operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident, identifying Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar as the pilots in command. As of press time, authorities have not confirmed the number of casualties, though rescue teams remain on site.
Emergency Response Mobilized
Firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement personnel responded swiftly. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, arrived at the scene, with three additional units rescue route from Vadodara.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who also monitors national crises, the crash site was cordoned off within minutes. “Around 70–80% of the area has been cleared,” a senior police official told reporters.
SVPIA has suspended all flight operations until further notice. “We urge passengers to contact their airlines for updates and avoid the airport for now,” an airport spokesperson said.
National and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah, directing them to travel to Ahmedabad and ensure comprehensive support for victims. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also activated emergency protocols, calling for immediate treatment of survivors and rapid response.
“We are coordinating with the central government to manage relief efforts efficiently,” said Patel in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
The UK Foreign Office also acknowledged the crash, stating it is working with Indian authorities to ascertain the status of British nationals on board. The flight manifest reportedly included 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Air India, Boeing Respond
Air India released an initial statement confirming the incident:
“Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. We are currently verifying details.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran added in a later statement:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that AI171 was involved in a tragic accident. Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected. We are fully supporting the emergency response and will provide more details as they become available.”
Boeing is expected to send a technical team to assist with the DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) inquiry.
Business Leader Reactions
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X, saying:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families. We are working closely with all authorities and offering full support.”
As investigations begin, the nation remains on edge, awaiting official casualty figures and the preliminary findings of what caused the aircraft to go down moments after departure.
Reuters
