AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — A tragic aviation disaster struck the city of Ahmedabad on Thursday when an Air India passenger plane bound for London Gatwick Airport crashed into a medical college shortly after takeoff, killing all 240 people on board and several others on the ground. Officials confirmed no survivors in what is the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Details of the Crash
The Boeing 787-8, operating as Air India Flight AI-131, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time (08:08 GMT). Just five minutes later, the aircraft plummeted into a residential area near Meghani Nagar, close to a medical college, erupting into a massive fireball.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
- Black smoke billowed from the crash site as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
- A video circulating on social media showed the jet descending slowly before disappearing behind buildings, followed by a huge explosion.
- The tail cone of the aircraft was seen lodged in a building, with stabilizer fins still attached.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
- All 242 passengers and crew—including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian—are feared dead.
- At least five medical students were killed on the ground, with 50 others injured, some critically.
- Rescue teams, including Indian Army personnel, are sifting through debris for survivors.
Statements from Authorities
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words” and expressed condolences.
- Gujarat’s former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the dead, according to BJP lawmaker Sambit Patra.
- Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran pledged full support to victims’ families.
Possible Causes: Mayday Call Before Crash
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revealed:
- The pilot issued a mayday call but stopped responding to air traffic control before the crash.
- Aviation experts suggest the plane’s nose was up but it failed to climb, raising questions about engine failure or control issues.
Boeing’s Response
- Boeing, which has faced scrutiny over past crashes (including the 737 MAX disasters), said it is “gathering information.”
- The 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2009, had no prior fatal crashes before this incident.
International Reactions
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash “devastating“, offering support to affected families.
- King Charles III expressed “deepest sympathy” for victims across multiple nations.
India’s Aviation Safety Record
This is the deadliest crash in India since:
- 2020: Air India Express Boeing 737 skidded off a runway, killing 21.
- 1996: Mid-air collision between Saudi and Kazakh flights killed 349.
Impact on Boeing and Aviation Industry
- Boeing shares dropped nearly 9% in pre-market trading.
- The crash comes days before the Paris Air Show, where Boeing and Airbus compete for orders.
Ongoing Investigation
- Flight data recorders will be crucial in determining the cause.
- Aviation experts emphasize the 787’s advanced monitoring systems should provide quick answers.
Final Thoughts
This unprecedented tragedy has sent shockwaves across India and the global aviation community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting grieving families and preventing future disasters.
