A major aviation incident unfolded today in western India as an Air India passenger plane, Flight AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The incident occurred at approximately 1:38 PM local time, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Initial reports indicate the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in Meghani Nagar, a residential area near the airport. The impact resulted in a devastating scene, with visuals from the site showing thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities considering potential factors such as technical malfunction, weather conditions, or human error.

Emergency services were immediately mobilized, with at least 90 personnel deployed to the crash site to conduct rescue and evacuation operations. Firefighters and paramedics are working tirelessly to manage the situation. All inbound and outbound flights at Ahmedabad Airport have been temporarily suspended, causing significant disruption to air travel.

Air India has confirmed the incident and stated that they are working to ascertain the details and provide updates as soon as possible. The airline has also expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected, with Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran stating that the airline's primary focus is on supporting the affected people and their families.

Of the 242 people on board, 169 are reported to be Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The crash has triggered widespread concern and grief, with India's aviation minister, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, expressing his shock and offering thoughts and prayers to those involved.

Tragically, the plane crashed into a hostel for doctors of a medical college, resulting in the death of five students. Videos show debris piercing through the walls of the hostel's dining hall.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation into the crash to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors. Families of the passengers have been rushed to the airport, where helplines have been activated to provide support and information.

This incident marks one of the worst aviation tragedies in India's recent history, prompting a nationwide outpouring of grief and concern. The focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts, supporting the affected families, and conducting a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.