The city of Ahmedabad is in mourning following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The incident has resulted in a devastating loss of life and has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from across the globe.
Air India MD & CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the media and the public, expressing his deepest sorrow and assuring that the airline's immediate focus is on supporting the passengers, crew, and their families. "This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India," Wilson stated in a video message. "Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones." He acknowledged the numerous questions surrounding the crash but emphasized the importance of providing accurate information over speculation, promising timely updates as the investigation progresses.
Flight AI171, which departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. local time, carried a diverse group of passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The crash site, located in a densely populated residential area near the airport, has become a scene of devastation. Early reports indicate that the plane crashed into a residential neighborhood and part of the plane hit the dining area of B.J. Medical College. Casualties include not only those on board but also individuals on the ground, with initial reports suggesting no survivors from the flight.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals, and authorities are working to manage the challenging recovery efforts. Air India is collaborating with local authorities and has sent a special team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to provide additional support to those affected.
In response to the tragedy, Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline, 1800 5691 444, to provide information and assistance to concerned families and friends. Wilson stressed that the airline is committed to providing accurate and timely updates and has teams working around the clock to support passengers, crew, and their families.
The incident marks a significant event for the aviation industry, with global reactions pouring in. Gatwick Airport confirmed the crash and acknowledged the flight's scheduled arrival time. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, has stated that it is in contact with Air India and stands ready to provide support, while also expressing their thoughts for all those affected. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be sending a team of U.S. investigators to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation.
As Ahmedabad grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families, conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, and ensuring transparency throughout the process. The coming days will be challenging as the community mourns the lives lost and seeks answers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
