A devastating एयर इंडिया (Air India) Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred in the Meghani area, engulfing the vicinity in flames due to the aircraft's heavy fuel load.
The aircraft had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among those on board and has been confirmed dead. One survivor was found.
Emergency services, including fire brigades, ambulances, police, and NDRF teams, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is now partially operational. Severely burned and unidentifiable bodies were transported to Civil Hospital’s trauma center. Approximately 20 medical students were injured when the plane crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghaninagar area.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited the crash site to assess the situation. Kinjarapu assured a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tragic accident. Air India is organizing relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad for the families of the passengers and Air India staff. A dedicated helpline, 1800 5691 444, has been established to provide information about the incident.
In other news, tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Israel contemplates a military strike against Iran over its nuclear program. Citing sources familiar with the matter, US media reports indicate that Israel views any nuclear agreement that allows Iran to enrich uranium as unacceptable. It remains unclear whether Israel will proceed with a limited strike or wait for further developments in nuclear negotiations.
The United States has ordered the voluntary departure of non-essential employees and military families from certain locations in the Middle East due to potential dangers. President Trump has expressed concerns about Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Iran has warned of a strong response to any Israeli attack, including targeting US forces in the region. Western diplomats have voiced concerns about potential miscalculations between Israel and Iran, urging de-escalation.
