A devastating air disaster struck India on Thursday as Air India Flight 171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff.
The commercial flight was reported to have taken off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew, when it went down in what officials have called a “tragic accident.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft issued a mayday call before it “crashed immediately after takeoff,” landing just outside the airport perimeter.
Eyewitnesses and journalists at the scene reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky, with emergency crews rushing to respond.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
The densely populated area surrounding Ahmedabad’s airport has heightened concerns about possible casualties beyond those on the flight, although specific figures regarding fatalities or survivors had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Air India has confirmed the crash, calling it a tragic event and stating that the airline is working closely with emergency authorities and government officials.
