Tragedy Strikes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
INVC NEWS
Ahmedabad – : In a deeply shocking and tragic incident, an Air India Dreamliner aircraft, operating as Flight AI171, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 (registration VT-ANB), was en route to London Heathrow with 242 passengers onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Eyewitness reports confirm that the plane went down around 1:43 PM IST, barely five minutes after it had taken off at 1:38 PM IST. Thick black smoke engulfed the skies over Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area close to the airport, causing widespread panic and chaos.
Firefighting Teams Respond Within Minutes
Upon receiving the emergency distress signals and preliminary alerts, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services Department dispatched more than five firefighting units to the crash site. The immediate area was swiftly cordoned off as rescue efforts began under extremely challenging conditions.
Officials have confirmed that the crash took place during routine flight operations, and the cause remains under active investigation. Local police, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and emergency response teams are currently coordinating the rescue and recovery operations.
High Casualty Fears Amid Massive Fireball
As the Air India aircraft burst into flames after impact, early responders were met with a scene of destruction. Emergency workers continue to pull out survivors and bodies from the wreckage. Due to the proximity to residential buildings, concerns of collateral damage and civilian casualties are also mounting.
The residential zone of Meghani Nagar, already known for its high population density, saw panic-stricken locals fleeing their homes as fiery debris fell onto rooftops and streets.
Pilot and Crew Information Confirmed
Air India and DGCA have released initial crew details:
Captain: Sumeet Sabharwal
First Officer: Clive Kundar
Cabin Crew Members: 10, names not disclosed at this time
Sources reveal that Captain Sabharwal had over 15 years of flying experience, with a substantial record in commanding international flights. DGCA is now examining whether a technical fault, pilot error, or external interference might have led to the catastrophic failure.
Statements from Officials and Leaders
Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded immediately, confirming he has spoken with:
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik
He reassured the state government of complete central support, including assistance from NDRF teams, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and other federal emergency services.
In a formal statement, Shah said, “This is a grave national tragedy. We are mobilizing every available resource to aid rescue, relief, and investigation operations. My prayers are with the victims and their families.”
DGCA Launches Full-Scale Investigation
The DGCA has initiated a comprehensive probe into the Flight AI171 crash, with investigators arriving at the site equipped with black box trackers and crash forensics tools. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) will be essential in reconstructing the final moments of the doomed flight.
Experts from Air India’s safety division, Boeing’s technical team, and aviation forensic specialists are joining hands to decode the sequence of mechanical and operational events that led to the disaster.
Impact on Local Community and Infrastructure
The disaster has deeply affected the Meghani Nagar community, where several homes and vehicles caught fire due to falling debris. Hospitals in Ahmedabad have declared a mass casualty emergency, with Civil Hospital and Sardar Hospital receiving dozens of burn and trauma victims.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has issued public health advisories urging residents to stay indoors and keep windows sealed to avoid inhaling toxic smoke from the crash site.
Roads leading to the crash zone have been barricaded, and all incoming and outgoing flights at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended.
Flight AI171: Background and Aircraft Details
Flight Number: AI171
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Registration: VT-ANB
Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) – London Heathrow (LHR)
Scheduled Departure: 1:35 PM IST
Actual Takeoff: 1:38 PM IST
Crash Time: ~1:43 PM IST
Occupants: 254 (242 passengers + 12 crew)
Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet is known for long-haul international routes and typically features state-of-the-art avionics and modern safety systems. The crash raises critical concerns about the aircraft’s maintenance records, pre-flight inspections, and ATC logs.
Rescue Efforts Underway; Survivor Search Continues
As of the latest update, rescue teams are tirelessly scouring the wreckage for any signs of life. Thermal imaging drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy-duty cranes are being employed to lift metal sections and search trapped victims.
Local volunteers have joined hands with official teams to assist in first aid, distribute water, and provide emergency shelter to displaced families from Meghani Nagar.
Air India Issues Official Statement
In a public address, an Air India spokesperson stated:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving Flight AI171. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. We are cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and rescue agencies. A dedicated helpline and family assistance center has been set up.”
The airline has launched emergency helpline numbers for families and released an online form for relatives to submit inquiries regarding passengers.
Nation in Mourning
This incident marks one of the worst aviation disasters in recent years for India. The magnitude of loss and the speed at which tragedy unfolded has left the nation stunned. Condolences have poured in from world leaders, aviation bodies, and airlines across the globe.
A national day of mourning is being considered by the central government, and Air India flights will observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims.
Ongoing Coverage and Developments
As rescue and investigation efforts continue through the night, we will keep updating this space with verified, real-time developments, passenger lists, and official reports from authorities.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with those affected by this unfathomable tragedy.
