A tragic event unfolded in Ahmedabad as an Air India flight, AI 171, crashed shortly after takeoff. The flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it went down in the Meghani Nagar area, near the airport. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and flames rising from the wreckage of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
The flight took off from runway 23 at 1:38 PM. Just minutes after takeoff, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) with a ‘mayday’ call. Unfortunately, communication was lost shortly after the distress signal. Reports indicate that the aircraft lost balance in the air and crashed into a densely populated area outside the airport boundaries.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with over seven fire brigade units dispatched to the scene. The fire was intense, and the situation was chaotic as teams worked to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors. The crash site became a hub of activity, with ambulances rushing to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
According to initial information from Air India, the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The airline has expressed its deep condolences to the families of those affected and is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
In the aftermath of the crash, the area around the incident was cordoned off, and traffic was diverted as rescue operations continued. Reports suggest that the crash site witnessed a significant influx of medical personnel and police, as they worked to manage the situation and provide care for the injured.
The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad became a focal point for families seeking information about their loved ones. The health minister, Rishikesh Patel, arrived at the hospital to oversee the emergency response and provide support to those affected.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stated that they are launching a thorough investigation into the crash. This includes retrieving the flight data recorders and interviewing the crew members who survived. The government has activated an emergency control room for families seeking information about the passengers on board.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken directly with the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, regarding the crash. The minister is on-site in Ahmedabad, coordinating a swift response to the tragedy. He has assured that all necessary support will be provided to the victims and their families.
The incident has shocked many, especially as it was reported that former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was on the flight. However, official confirmation about his presence has not yet been made.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on providing assistance to the victims and their families. The government and Air India have established a dedicated passenger hotline for families seeking information. The health and safety of those impacted by this tragic event is the top priority.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel. Investigators will look into possible causes of the crash, including mechanical failure or human error, as they seek answers for the families who have lost loved ones in this unfortunate event.
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