A tragic plane crash occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on an Air India flight bound for London. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM on Thursday. Just moments after take-off, the plane caught fire and crashed in a residential area of Meghani Nagar. The flight was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew.
Among those on board were three passengers from Patan district. Kubera Bhai Khemchand Bhai Patel and his wife Babiben Patel were on their way to meet family in London. Their brother, Kirti Bhai Patel, shared this news with the media. A 33-year-old woman from Brahmanwada village in Chanasma taluka was also on the flight. She had been staying in her hometown for a month before attempting to travel to London.
As news of the crash spread, family members and villagers were filled with worry and grief. They have not yet received confirmation of the passengers’ deaths, as DNA tests are still pending. The results will help verify the identities of the deceased.
The plane lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the emergency call was made. It reportedly lost signal at an altitude of 625 feet, just nine minutes after its departure. Eyewitness videos captured the plane crashing and creating a fireball.
Initial reports indicate that the plane may have encountered a serious emergency shortly after take-off. Local fire and emergency services responded quickly, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as heartbreaking and shocking. He has ordered all agencies to provide full assistance to those affected. Air India has set up a helpline for passenger families to seek support during this difficult time.
This incident marks the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model known for its strong safety record. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabharwal, who has over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with 1,100 flight hours.
As the investigation continues, officials are working to assess the full impact of this tragedy. Families of the passengers await news with heavy hearts, hoping for answers in the days to come.
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