A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad this afternoon as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff, leaving no survivors among the 242 passengers and crew on board.
The aircraft crashed into a doctors’ hostel belonging to a medical college at around 1:30 PM, triggering a massive fire and chaotic scenes in the densely populated area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast, followed by a thick plume of grey smoke rising from the crash site. Over two dozen ambulances rushed to the spot, transporting the injured from the hostel to nearby hospitals. Police have cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to aid rescue operations.
In a brief statement, Air India confirmed the incident, calling it a “grave tragedy” and assuring full cooperation with investigative and relief authorities. According to officials, the pilot had issued a mayday call shortly before communication with air traffic control was abruptly lost.
Government and Military Respond Swiftly
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally overseeing the emergency response. “All aviation and emergency response agencies have been directed to act swiftly and provide full support to affected families,” he said.
The Indian Army has stepped in to support civil authorities in a large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation. Around 130 Army personnel have been deployed at the crash site, along with engineering teams using JCBs for debris clearance, Quick Action Teams, medical squads with doctors and paramedics, and fire-fighting units. The Military Hospital has also been placed on high alert.
Latest Developments:
No Survivors: Reports confirm that none of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Dreamliner have survived the crash.
Crash Location: The plane crashed into a doctors’ hostel near the medical college, raising concerns about additional casualties on the ground.
Rescue Operations: Emergency services, including the NDRF, local police, fire brigades, and now the Army, continue search and recovery efforts amid burning debris.
Visuals from the Site: Shocking visuals show wreckage engulfed in flames, heavy smoke, and emergency teams working amid scattered debris.
Investigation Underway: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a full-scale inquiry into the cause of the crash.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area and avoid spreading unverified information. More details are awaited as the situation continues to unfold.
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
