Ahmedabad, India — An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, resulting in a tragic loss of 265 lives. The flight, heading to London, went down in the Meghani area, sending a thick column of black smoke into the sky and prompting a swift emergency response.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reported that the ill-fated aircraft had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, two pilots, and ten crew members. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar were at the helm as the flight departed, heavily loaded with fuel for the long journey, which likely exacerbated the post-crash fire and explosion.
Reports indicate that the plane struck residential quarters housing doctors from BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar area soon after takeoff. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft flying dangerously low before it collided with buildings, igniting fires and injuring residents nearby. “The plane was flying very low and crashed into the residential quarters of doctors,” said local witness Haresh Shah.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately, with multiple fire engines and ambulances responding to the disaster. Preliminary investigations are underway, with the DGCA expected to lead an inquiry, potentially involving a technical team from Boeing. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash, although experts suggest that the substantial fuel load may have significantly complicated rescue efforts.
Ahmedabad police commissioner GS Malik confirmed that a lone survivor was discovered in seat 11A of the aircraft. “One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment,” he noted, adding that the death toll could rise given the crash’s impact within a populated area.
In response to the disruption caused by the incident, Indian Railways announced the deployment of Vande Bharat trains to facilitate transportation for stranded passengers. This effort aims to help those seeking to travel to major cities while flight operations remain grounded.
Local authorities, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have been in constant communication regarding the fallout from the crash. Patel expressed deep remorse over the tragedy, directing his administration to expedite rescue efforts and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Additionally, Air India confirmed the details of the flight in an official statement, affirming its commitment to support affected families. Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran indicated that the company would offer compensation of 1 crore rupees to the families of those who perished.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their condolences on social media, highlighting the collective grief felt across the nation. Modi emphasized his support for all those affected, while Murmu described the event as a “heart-rending disaster.”
As officials continue to assess the situation, the Airports Authority of India stated that an Operational Control Room has been established to facilitate the emergency response. Limited flights have now resumed at the airport, with travelers advised to check with airlines for updates on their journeys.
Efforts to recover from this tragedy will likely take time, as authorities work tirelessly to determine the cause and provide support to the victims’ families. The incident has opened discussions on the need for enhanced safety measures in air travel, underscoring the priorities of public safety and accountability going forward.