An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, killing all 242 passengers and crew onboard. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI 171, went down in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area, just five minutes after departing at 1:38 p.m. local time.
Officials confirmed the aircraft was fully loaded with fuel and slammed into the dining area of a medical college hostel, igniting fires that consumed surrounding buildings and vehicles. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but authorities say there are likely no survivors. Multiple fatalities among local residents are also suspected.
The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles expressed their condolences, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy was “heartbreaking beyond words.”
This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft since its introduction in 2009. Boeing, which is under scrutiny for past 737 Max crashes, pledged support to Air India, while U.S. agencies have offered assistance in the investigation.
Experts point to a sudden catastrophic event during takeoff, typically a manageable phase with multiple fail-safes. The incident marks India’s deadliest aviation disaster in five years.
Swifteradio.com
