Air India flight to London crashes in India, over 200 on board
Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on Thursday crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, en route to London Gatwick Airport.
The aircraft crashed in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, a residential area near the airport, resulting in a significant emergency response. The crash occurred less than a minute after takeoff.
The flight carried a total of 242 people, including passengers and crew. The manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and a co-pilot, had a combined flying experience of nearly 10,000 hours. The captain had 8,200 hours of experience, and the co-pilot had 1,100 hours.
READ ALSO:Â Tragic plane crash in South Korea claims over 120 lives
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, and the pilot issued a mayday call before the crash. The crash caused a large explosion and fire, with thick black smoke visible over the crash site.
Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Rescue operations are underway, and the injured are being taken to nearby hospitals. All flights to and from Ahmedabad airport have been suspended. The UK Foreign Office is working with local authorities to provide support. The Indian government has initiated an investigation, and an investigation team has been sent to Ahmedabad.
Air India confirmed the incident and stated that they are cooperating with authorities. The UK government has expressed its support and is working with Indian authorities. Various political figures have expressed their condolences and concern.
The Prime Minister of India and the Civil Aviation Minister are monitoring the situation.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The plane was 11.5 years old and had been in Air India’s fleet since it left the production line. This is the first-ever hull loss involving a Boeing 787 since its entry into service in 2011.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information.
