The tragedy struck the sky in Gujarat this Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI171 on the way from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed after takeoff, with 204 people on board and injured dozens of people on the ground. In a rare moment of hope amidst the devastation, one British passenger survived the impact.
The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner took off from Sardar Valabby Patel International Airport 1:38pm Local timebut it just crashed 30 seconds laterto the doctor’s hostel BJ Medical CollegeA fireball that caused an explosion and brightened the sky.
Devastation scene
Witnesses described the jets slamming into the building with a frightening moment when the jets were rapidly descending, and the engine roaring and landing gear were still being deployed. “There was an ear-deaf explosion. The windows shattered across the street. We knew it was devastating,” said Prakash Meta, the owner of the local store.
The rescue team arrived quickly, with over 130 staff members National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Armyand Local emergency services The battle between flames and fragments. The crash site was littered with wreckage, body parts and burnt belongings.
so far, 204 figures Includes Medical Student Hostels and almost everything 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. It is among the dead Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupaniauthorities have been confirmed.
The miracle of the remains
One man survived against all possibilities. Vishwash Kumar RameshBritish citizens 11areportedly avoided the aircraft’s moment before it exploded into flames. He is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. Officials say he may be the only survivor.
This impact has devastated the doctor’s hostel at BJ Medical College. Five students were killed And over 60 injuries. In total, 41 people on the ground They were injured, and many suffered severe burns and crushed injuries. Some remain in critical condition.
What was wrong?
Preliminary investigations show that the plane experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. a Mayday Call Issued from the cockpit, flight tracking data showed that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before its dive.
Video footage from a previous flight on the same aircraft showed the cabin flickering and malfunctioning system. Investigators are looking to see if it is known. Wing flap problem or Landing gear fault It could have played a role.
India’s Director of the Civil Aviation Bureau (DGCA) With support from the company, we are leading the probes. Boeing, US Aviation Expertsand forensic medicine experts. Both black boxes have been collected and analyzed.
First deadly Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash
Aircraft, tail number VT-ANBIt was released in 2012 and had a beautiful safety record. This incident will be marked First fatal crash Since its introduction to commercial services, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been around for.
Did you ignore the previous snuggle?
To my surprise, the same aircraft was in pain. Technical malfunction only 6 months agoin December 2024in preparation for the same AI171 route. Passengers were delayed and engineers were called to inspect system failures before flight resumed. The exact cause of the issue was never disclosed, but the source confirmed that the aircraft was temporarily grounded.
International response and mourning
The meaning of sadness is poured from all over the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapand Home Minister Amit Shah I visited the site on a Thursday night. British Prime Minister Keyer priority, Charles IIIand EU and US leaders expressed their sadness and support.
Tata GroupAir India owner announced £We pledged one croule of compensation for each victim’s family and full cooperation in the investigation. An emergency hotline has been established for families in both India and the UK.
Flight has been suspended and investigation is underway
Operation in Ahmedabad Airport It remains suspended as investigators continue to work. Boeing stocks fell 7% After the crash, scrutiny intensifies, focusing on the safety of the 787 fleet.