NEW DELHI: A London-bound Air India passenger aircraft crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff this morning, in a dramatic aviation incident that has left authorities racing to respond.
- The Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying approximately 242 passengers and crew—including 180–242 individuals onboard, as various reports estimate—plunged near the Meghani Nagar area after departing from runway 23 around dawn.
- Eyewitnesses heard a “loud explosion” followed by plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash zone.
- First visuals from Meghani Nagar reveal scattered wreckage and intense fires close to residential buildings.
Emergency Response & Rescue
- Seven fire engines and rescue teams were dispatched immediately, cordoning off roads and battling the blaze as investigators and police arrived.
- Gujarat Police and airport emergency units are managing site control and initial search-and-rescue operations.
Authorities & Investigations
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been formally notified and will lead an inquiry, although no official statements have yet detailed causes or casualties.
- Air India has not yet released information on passenger names, flight number (though some sources reference AI‑171), or an official statement on injuries or fatalities.
What’s Known So Far
| Detail | Information |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 787 Dreamliner (unconfirmed) |
| Passengers/Crew | 180–242 people onboard |
| Location | Crash site near Meghani Nagar, outskirts of Ahmedabad airport |
| Cause | Under investigation; explosion heard—whether mechanical failure or collision unknown |
| Casualty Status | Not yet confirmed; rescue ongoing |
| Agencies Involved | DGCA, AAIB, Gujarat Police, Airport fire/rescue teams |
Next Steps & Watch
- Officials will focus on retrieving flight data and cockpit voice recorders to establish the cause.
- Local hospitals and authorities anticipate updates on passenger and resident casualties within the day.
- Expect Air India and the Aviation Minister to issue detailed statements as investigations progress.
This is a developing story. I’ll continue monitoring authoritative sources and share verified updates soon.
