A pall of grief has descended over Ahmedabad following the crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 242 souls, plummeted to the ground shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake. The crash marks a grim milestone, being the first fatal incident involving the 787-8 Dreamliner since its introduction to commercial service in 2011.
The aircraft crashed in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, hitting a residential complex near BJ Medical College. The impact and subsequent fire inflicted heavy damage on the buildings, resulting in casualties both on board the plane and on the ground. Emergency services swiftly responded, but the scale of the disaster presented immense challenges.
According to initial reports, there were 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members on board. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Tragically, Air India has confirmed 241 fatalities. The sole survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal probe, adhering to international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Experts from the US and UK are expected to join the Indian investigators in the coming days. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crash remains unclear, initial reports suggest that the pilot issued a Mayday call to Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly after takeoff.
The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. Captain Sabharwal was a seasoned aviator with over 8,200 flying hours. First Officer Kundar had 1,100 flying hours. According to India's Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, the plane was carrying 100 tonnes of fuel. The sole survivor reported hearing a loud bang as the plane struggled to gain altitude.
The disaster has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, especially because the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had maintained a good safety record until now. This incident is likely to raise concerns and spark intense scrutiny of the aircraft model and its operations.
Air India has established support teams for the families of the passengers and crew. The airline has also deployed officials from Delhi and Mumbai to provide assistance and support the investigation. The airport temporarily suspended flight operations but has since resumed.
