In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew, went down in a densely populated residential area near the airport on Friday morning.
The ill-fated flight, AI-147, issued a distress mayday call moments after take-off, indicating a severe technical malfunction. However, contact with air traffic control was lost within seconds. According to data from Flight Radar, the aircraft had only climbed to 625 feet (190 meters) before disappearing from radar.
Impact Site: Doctors’ Hostel in Chaos
The aircraft tragically came down on a doctors’ hostel, part of a residential medical complex near the airport vicinity. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deafening explosion, followed by plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency services, including fire brigades, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) units, and paramedics, rushed to the scene within minutes.
Local police confirmed that several buildings, including the hostel, have suffered severe structural damage. Preliminary reports suggest that casualties are expected both from onboard passengers and ground residents. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to extricate survivors trapped under debris.
Statements by
Air India spokesperson Mr. Rajesh Mehta expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating:
“This is a dark day for Air India and the entire nation. We are working in coordination with local authorities and emergency responders. Our primary concern at this moment is the safety and well-being of the passengers, crew, and residents affected by this tragedy.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been dispatched to Ahmedabad to analyze flight data, black box recordings, and technical logs of the aircraft.
Possible Cause: Technical Failure Suspected
While it is too early to speculate on the definitive cause of the crash, aviation experts have pointed towards a potential critical systems failure. Witness accounts mention an unusual engine sound and visible flames from the aircraft’s rear moments before the crash. The mayday call issued by the cockpit crew further indicates that a severe malfunction was detected immediately after take-off.
This particular aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, is known for its advanced fly-by-wire systems and safety mechanisms. The aircraft underwent a routine maintenance check earlier this week, with no irregularities reported, according to Air India’s maintenance records.
Rescue & Relief Efforts
As of now, over 40 fire tenders and multiple ambulances are on-site. Rescue teams are battling fire and thick smoke to carry out search and evacuation efforts. Local hospitals, including Civil Hospital Ahmedabad and Sterling Hospital, have been put on high alert to receive casualties.
The Gujarat Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendra Patel, has directed all state emergency services to assist in rescue operations and ensure immediate medical attention to the injured. In a statement, he said:
“We stand united in this hour of grief. Our priority is to save every life possible and provide support to the affected families. A high-level inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the cause of this tragic accident.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep grief over the incident, tweeted:
“Extremely saddened by the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. Prayers for the injured. All necessary assistance is being provided at the crash site.”
The airline has also set up a special assistance cell at Ahmedabad Airport to facilitate information dissemination and provide support to the relatives of passengers onboard AI-147.
Global Response and Safety Review
The crash has reignited concerns over the safety protocols of long-haul flights originating from Indian airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured a comprehensive safety audit of Air India’s entire fleet in the coming days.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has released a brief statement expressing condolences and has offered full technical assistance to Indian aviation authorities during the investigation.
three critical objectives
As the nation mourns, authorities are focused:
- Search and Rescue: Ensuring every trapped individual is rescued.
- Medical Aid: Providing immediate medical care to the injured.
- Investigation: Determining the root cause of the crash to prevent future tragedies.
