A pall of thick, black smoke hangs heavy over Ahmedabad today, as the city grapples with the aftermath of the Air India flight AI 171 crash. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, went down just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, leaving a trail of devastation and grief in its wake.
Visuals emerging from the crash site paint a grim picture. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, impacting a student hostel at BJ Medical College. Initial reports indicate that the plane struck the mess hall before colliding with the hostel building, resulting in a chaotic scene of debris, fire, and desperate cries for help.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of unimaginable horror. Residents recall a deafening roar followed by a thunderous impact, as parts of the aircraft rained down on their homes. Videos circulating on social media show a large crowd gathered near the crash site, with emergency personnel battling the blaze and attempting to rescue survivors from the wreckage. A portion of the aircraft, with a wheel still attached, was seen perched precariously atop the hostel building, a stark reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded.
The impact on the student hostel has been particularly devastating. The Indian Medical Association has confirmed the deaths of three MBBS students, with approximately 45 others hospitalized. The hostel, which housed senior resident doctors, became an unexpected ground zero, leaving the medical community in shock and mourning.
Authorities have confirmed that the pilots issued a 'MAYDAY' call to Air Traffic Control before losing contact, suggesting a possible mechanical failure or other emergency situation. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other agencies working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The U.S. government has offered to send a team to assist in the investigation if requested by Indian officials, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) potentially taking the lead role.
The human cost of the crash is immense. Among the 242 passengers and crew members were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese citizens. Sadly, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among those who perished in the crash, confirmed by Union Minister C.R. Patil. While initial reports suggested little chance of survival, authorities have confirmed that at least one passenger was found alive in the wreckage and is receiving medical treatment.
In the wake of the tragedy, Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to provide information and support to the families of the victims. The airline has also announced that it will operate two relief flights to assist families in reaching Ahmedabad. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up joint operational control rooms to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. DNA testing is being conducted to identify the remains of the deceased, with family members providing samples at BJ Medical College.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety. As investigations continue and the city mourns, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families, and on learning lessons that can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
