An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew tragically crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.
The flight was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when it lost altitude rapidly and came down in a densely populated residential area close to the airport. The aircraft struck the doctors’ hostel building of B.J. Medical College, causing extensive damage to the structure and igniting a massive fire. Many victims are reported to be medical students residing in the hostel, adding to the tragedy’s emotional toll.
Shortly after departing from runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time, the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call indicating a serious emergency onboard. Air traffic control lost contact with the flight within minutes. Eyewitnesses captured harrowing footage showing a bright fireball erupting as the plane crashed, followed by thick black smoke billowing over the neighborhood.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched, and fire and rescue operations began amid challenging conditions due to ongoing fires and debris scattered over a wide area. Officials confirmed that over 100 charred bodies have been recovered and transported to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The aircraft wreckage is severely fragmented, with the tail section found lodged in the upper floors of the doctors’ hostel.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 70 to 80 percent of the crash site and affected areas have been cleared, but rescue operations continue as authorities search for survivors and recover bodies. Local hospitals are on high alert, and blood donation drives have been initiated to support the influx of injured victims.
The passenger manifest included 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants, with nationalities spanning multiple countries. Most passengers were Indian nationals (169), along with 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian aboard. The crew comprised experienced pilots and cabin staff, but no survivors have been confirmed.
Aviation experts have raised questions following the release of preliminary video footage from the crash. Notably, the landing gear appeared to be extended during a phase of flight when it is typically retracted, suggesting that the aircraft might have been attempting an emergency landing. Aviation analyst Anthony Brickhouse commented that the unusual behavior of the plane indicates the crew may have encountered a sudden technical malfunction or system failure.
Authorities from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Black box recorders have been recovered from the wreckage and will be analyzed alongside radar data and communications transcripts.
This disaster comes at a time when India’s aviation industry has been under intense scrutiny for safety protocols amid rapid expansion. It marks a sobering reminder of the critical importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and emergency preparedness.
The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and pledged support for survivors and affected communities. Prime Minister and other political leaders have expressed deep condolences and vowed a thorough investigation.
Note these reports are all allegedly, as seen on the internet.
Written By Crystal Star
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