On Thursday, a major air disaster occurred in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, where an Air India plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff, with all 242 people on board feared dead. The aircraft crashed into a residential area for doctors, causing severe casualties and destruction, with local authorities reporting that ground residents also perished.
According to media reports, the Air India Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” operating flight number 171, with registration VT-ANB, was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 data shows that the plane took off at 13:38 local time and quickly climbed to 625 feet (about 190 meters) before losing contact. The last signal indicated the plane was only a few hundred meters from the runway when it crashed near the airport.
The passengers on board included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The plane collided with a building in the residential area inhabited by doctors, resulting in a massive explosion and fire. Footage captured by local media showed thick smoke billowing. Several doctors were reported to have escaped by jumping out of the damaged floors, with one young doctor sustaining injuries after jumping but in stable condition.
GS Malik, the Commissioner of Ahmedabad City Police, stated, “No survivors have been found so far. The estimated death toll is expected to rise, including ground residents.”
A local councilor mentioned hearing a loud noise from her office not far from the site of the crash and rushed to assist in the rescue efforts, rescuing several doctors from the residence.
The air disaster has shocked Indian society. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, expressed deep sorrow at a press conference, saying, “We have lost many people, and this is a very tragic accident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims.”
Indian Prime Minister Modi also expressed his shock and grief over the tragedy in Ahmedabad, stating on social media, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad is shocking and heartbreaking, words cannot describe this pain. I stand with all those affected.”
The Indian aviation authorities announced that flight operations were temporarily suspended at the airport after the accident but resumed at 16:05 local time, emphasizing strict adherence to all safety regulations. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, with authorities launching a comprehensive investigation.