In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ahmedabad witnessed a catastrophic plane crash that has left the entire nation in shock. An Air India flight bound for London, carrying over 240 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The incident has sent waves of sorrow and concern across the country and beyond. Families of passengers and crew members are grappling with the unimaginable, as updates from the scene continue to unfold.
This tragic accident, referred to now as the Ahmedabad Plane Crash, occurred in the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated part of the city. Let’s break down everything we know so far in this developing story.
The Crash: What Happened?
On Thursday afternoon, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The scheduled destination was London’s Gatwick Airport. But shortly after takeoff, tragedy struck.
According to official records, the flight took off at 1:39 PM IST with 242 people onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Within minutes, it lost communication and ultimately crashed in the Meghani Nagar IGP Complex area. The devastation on the ground and in the air was immediate.
Who Was Onboard?
The Boeing aircraft was operating with a mixed passenger list, including:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British citizens
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1 Canadian passenger
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7 Portuguese nationals
Many of the passengers were traveling for business, education, or family visits. The crew onboard included some of Air India’s most experienced professionals.
Tragically, only two passengers have survived the crash. One of them, seated on 11A, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently under intensive care.
High-Profile Casualty: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani
Among the victims was Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a senior BJP leader. He was traveling in Business Class, seat 2D, on this ill-fated flight. Rupani, aged 68, was en route to London for a personal engagement. His sudden and tragic demise has left a significant void in Gujarat’s political landscape and sparked mourning across the country.
The Aircraft and the Crew
Flight AI171 was being operated using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a long-haul aircraft known for safety and efficiency. The aircraft was relatively new and underwent its latest maintenance check just weeks before the incident.
Pilot and Crew Details:
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Captain: Sumit Sabharwal – Over 8,200 flight hours
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First Officer: Clive Kundar – Over 1,100 flight hours
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Total Cabin Crew: 10 highly trained professionals
According to preliminary information, the cockpit crew attempted to make an emergency landing but failed due to technical failures.
Scene of the Crash: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
The crash occurred near the IGP Complex in Meghani Nagar, a residential area in central Ahmedabad. The impact was so intense that nearby buildings shook, and the site caught fire within moments. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by thick smoke rising into the sky.
Emergency responders, including NDRF teams, firefighters, and city police, were at the location within minutes. Rescue operations were difficult due to the intensity of the fire and debris spread over a wide area.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
Authorities have mobilized full-scale emergency services to manage the disaster. Dozens of ambulances, fire trucks, and medical teams have been deployed to assist survivors and retrieve the remains of victims.
Several nearby hospitals, including Civil Hospital and Apollo Hospital, have been placed on high alert to handle casualties. So far, over 100 bodies have been identified, and efforts are underway to contact families.
Passenger Hotline and Support Services
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline for families seeking information:
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Helpline Number: 1800 5691 444
The airline has assured that all possible support is being extended to the affected families, including free transport, counseling, and assistance with identification processes.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents near the crash site described a terrifying scene. “It was like an earthquake. The ground shook, and we saw flames shooting up,” said one local shopkeeper. Others rushed to help, unaware of the danger, pulling debris and searching for any survivors.
Many noted that the aircraft seemed to falter mid-air before nose-diving into the ground. Preliminary reports suggest possible engine failure or navigation system malfunction, but the exact cause is still under investigation.
Government and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families. “The loss of lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash is tragic beyond words. We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
Leaders from the UK, Portugal, and Canada have also issued statements expressing grief and have offered to coordinate with Indian authorities to assist their nationals.
Ongoing Investigation
A high-level probe has been ordered into the Ahmedabad plane crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is working with Boeing engineers, Air India officials, and aviation safety experts to determine what caused the sudden crash.
The Black Box (Flight Data Recorder) has reportedly been recovered and sent for analysis. A detailed report is expected within a week.
My Opinion: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety
As someone who follows aviation and public safety, this tragedy is a grave reminder of how unpredictable air travel can be, even with the most advanced technology and experienced crews. The crash of AI171 in Ahmedabad demands not only answers but swift actions — from ensuring tighter maintenance checks to better emergency preparedness.
Air travel must remain one of the safest modes of transportation. For that to hold true, this crash must trigger reforms and policy reviews. The families of those lost deserve more than condolences — they deserve accountability and change.
Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning
The Ahmedabad Plane Crash Live Updates continue to reveal more disturbing details as authorities dig through the wreckage of Air India Flight AI171. With over 240 lives lost, including prominent figures and foreign nationals, this event will leave a lasting scar on India’s aviation history.
While the immediate focus remains on rescue and identification, the long-term emphasis must be on preventing such disasters in the future. The world mourns with India today, and as a nation, we must ensure that these lives were not lost in vain.
Key Highlights Recap:
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Flight Number: AI171
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Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
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Departure Time: 1:39 PM IST
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Crash Location: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
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Total People Onboard: 242
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Survivors: 2
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Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among deceased
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Hotline: 1800 5691 444
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
