AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A devastating plane crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner claimed the lives of all 242 people on board after the aircraft plunged into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The London-bound Flight AI171 was en route to Gatwick Airport when it went down Thursday morning, smashing into a doctors’ hostel and igniting a blaze that sent thick black smoke into the skies. Police officials confirmed the impact flattened parts of the building, raising fears of additional casualties on the ground.
G.S. Malik, the city’s police commissioner, told the Associated Press that “it appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” adding that some residents may have also perished due to the location of the crash site.
The crash scene quickly drew emergency responders, with efforts continuing late into the day to clear nearly 80% of the debris. Video footage posted by witnesses showed fire and smoke erupting from the crash site, with parts of the aircraft, including the tail section, wedged atop buildings.
King Charles, Carney and others react
Reaction poured in from global leaders. King Charles III, through the Royal Family’s official X account, said he and Queen Camilla were “desperately shocked” by the crash and sent condolences to the victims’ families. He commended the emergency crews for their “heroic efforts.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that one Canadian citizen was on the flight. “Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts,” he posted, expressing his sorrow at the tragedy.
Authorities at Gatwick Airport have opened a reception center for affected families. At least 53 British nationals were on the flight, and UK citizens in need of assistance were advised to contact the Foreign Office.
Questions mount for Boeing
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, marks the first major crash of that model since it entered service in 2011. Boeing confirmed it was in touch with Air India and pledged support. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the company said in a post.
This latest incident follows years of scrutiny for Boeing. In 2024 alone, the company was rocked by the Jeju Air disaster in South Korea that killed 179 people, and quality issues on several other models have dogged the manufacturer since the grounding of its 737 Max jets in 2019.
Since being acquired by India’s Tata Group in 2022, Air India had been undergoing modernization. However, the airline has struggled with its safety record, having experienced major crashes in 2020 and 2010.
As investigations continue, U.S. aviation agencies — including the FAA and NTSB — have confirmed readiness to assist. Indian aviation authorities have launched a formal probe into the crash.
Ahmedabad Airport has resumed limited operations, but officials advised passengers to check with their airlines for updates.
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