AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — An Air India passenger plane, carrying over 240 individuals, including one Canadian, tragically crashed in Ahmedabad, India. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff en route to Gatwick Airport in London.
Crisis Unfolds in Ahmedabad
Local television footage captured billowing smoke from the crash site, located in a densely populated region near the city’s airport. Ahmedabadi officials confirmed that the aircraft, identified as Air India flight AI 171, struck a residential area named Meghani Nagar just five minutes after departing at 1:38 PM local time.
Passenger Details
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was reported to have 242 passengers and crew members onboard, comprised of 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national, identified as a dentist from Mississauga, Ontario. The family of Nirali Sureshkumar Patel confirmed her presence on the ill-fated flight.
Official Responses and Support
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, stated that all efforts are being directed toward providing medical aid and support at the crash location. Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, announced an emergency support center for families seeking information about loved ones. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he remarked.
International Reactions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed devastation over the incident, highlighting the significant number of British nationals aboard. Meanwhile, British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell assured that the government would extend comprehensive support to affected families. “This is an unfolding story, causing immense worry and concern to countless families,” she conveyed in the House of Commons.
Condolences from Royalty
In a statement, King Charles expressed his “desperate shock” about the tragic incident, extending heartfelt sympathy to affected families across multiple nations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced his devastation and indicated that Canadian transport officials are coordinating closely with international counterparts.
About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Since its introduction in 2009, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been delivered to numerous airlines worldwide, totaling over 1,000 units. Remarkably, Air India flight AI 171 marks the first crash of a 787, as confirmed by the Aviation Safety Network database. Boeing acknowledged the incident and is currently working to gather further details.
Stay Informed
For ongoing updates on this tragic event, please refer to reliable news sources and monitor the situation closely. The safety of air travel is paramount, and the aviation community is closely watching the developments following this heartbreaking incident.
