A horrific air disaster occurred near Ahmedabad as a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just minutes after takeoff, sending shock waves throughout the country and internationally. The plane, with 242 passengers and crew on board, crashed near the airport boundary in what witnesses characterized as a “massive explosion followed by thick smoke.”
The plane was said to be on its way to London Heathrow when it faced technical issues minutes after takeoff. Initial reports indicate that the pilots tried an emergency return to airport before losing control of the plane. Rescue efforts started within minutes, with fire engines, medical personnel, and police rushing to the scene of the crash to rescue survivors and evacuate the injured.
The authorities have initiated a thorough probe into the crash, investigating potential mechanical failure or procedural irregularities. The accident is one of the worst aviation crashes involving an Indian international airliner in recent times. Relatives of the passengers have been requested to report to specified help centers for information, and the airport was briefly closed to enable emergency procedures.
Air India, in a statement, conveyed its deep sympathy and promised full cooperation with aviation authorities. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims. We are doing everything possible to help the victims and their families,” the airline replied. The horrific crash has put the airline industry in the dark for a long time, with renewed alarm over safety procedures and aircraft upkeep.
