In one of the most devastating plane crashes in India’s history, at least 274 people lost their lives when a London-bound Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad earlier this week.
The ill-fated aircraft, flight AI 171, was headed to London Gatwick and had just taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:30 PM on Thursday. It tragically lost altitude within seconds and crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar area. The crash caused a massive fire, and thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky.
The flight was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 crew members. Shockingly, only one person survived: an Indian-origin British national.
Among the victims were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, ten doctors, and several of their family members who were staying in the residential complex. The tragedy also left 24 MBBS students injured, who are currently receiving treatment.
The impact on the ground was also severe, with local residents losing their lives due to the crash.
Emergency teams have recovered the aircraft’s black box and are working tirelessly to clear the wreckage. Over 100 workers and 40 engineers are involved in the efforts.
The aircraft was a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, a model considered modern and safe. Yet within moments of takeoff, something went horribly wrong. Investigations are now underway to understand what caused this heartbreaking accident.
This disaster has sent shockwaves across the country, and countless families are mourning unimaginable losses.
