Tragic Air India Plane Crash After Ahmedabad Takeoff

Ahmedabad plane crash

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on its way to London. The flight, AI 171, had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

A video taken at the scene shows the plane flying very low and failing to gain height. Moments later, it crashes and explodes in a huge fireball around 1:38 PM. Since it was a long-haul international flight, the aircraft was fully loaded with fuel.

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar told NDTV that the plane reached only 825 feet before it lost lift and came down. It was clear the aircraft was unable to climb properly.

In a statement, Air India confirmed that their Ahmedabad to London Gatwick flight was involved in an incident and that they are still collecting full details. The airline said updates will be shared soon.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the crash site. Emergency services, including over two dozen ambulances, rushed to the area. Some of the injured have been taken to hospitals. Police have also blocked traffic near the site for safety.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed all emergency and aviation teams to respond quickly and work together.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” the minister said in a message on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the DGCA, the aircraft was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who has over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who has 1,100 flying hours. A Mayday call was made shortly before the crash.

Air India Dreamliner crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad; at least 40 feared dead, rescue teams on the ground.

Highlights:

Air India flight AI 171 crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London.
232 passengers and 10 crew members were on board.
The plane failed to climb beyond 825 feet and crashed in a fiery explosion.
A Mayday call was issued just before the crash.
Captured video shows the aircraft struggling before the blast.
Emergency services, including 24 ambulances, rushed to the scene.
Thick smoke and debris seen at the crash site.
Civil Aviation Minister monitoring the situation; rescue operations underway.
Pilots: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hrs experience) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hrs).
Air India and DGCA have launched full investigations.