A tragic aviation incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
The aircraft was carrying a total of 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Eyewitnesses near the airport reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the crash site as emergency teams rushed to respond.
According to flight tracking data, AI171 departed from Ahmedabad at 1:10 PM local time. Moments later, the flight reportedly experienced a critical malfunction that led to the crash. The exact cause is not yet known, and authorities have not confirmed the number of casualties or survivors.
Rescue operations are underway, with airport officials and disaster response teams present at the scene. Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have launched a full investigation to determine what led to the incident. Preliminary data and eyewitness accounts will be vital in understanding the sequence of events.
This incident has raised fresh concerns about aircraft safety and operational protocols for international routes using modern aircraft like the Dreamliner.
Air India and government officials are expected to provide an official statement soon.
This is a developing story, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
