NEW DELHI: An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, en route to London, crashed into a residential area near Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad just five minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The tragic aviation disaster has sent shockwaves through the country, as authorities rush to rescue survivors and begin a full-scale investigation.
The aircraft took off at 1:38 PM from runway 23, carrying 232 passengers, including 2 infants, along with 12 crew members (10 cabin crew and 2 pilots). According to officials, the flight lost control shortly after takeoff and went down into a densely populated neighborhood, resulting in plumes of thick black smoke and visible flames rising from the impact site.
The Pilot-in-Command has been identified as Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned flyer, with Co-Pilot Clive Kunder assisting on the flight deck. Both are currently unaccounted for, and rescue teams are working to determine their status, along with the fate of others onboard.
Crash Site and Response
Eyewitnesses in Meghani Nagar described hearing a “loud explosion” followed by a shockwave that shattered windows and sent debris flying across homes and streets. Emergency services were activated immediately, with seven fire engines and multiple rescue teams deployed to contain the fire and recover survivors.
Gujarat Police, Airport Fire Units, and disaster response teams have cordoned off the area and are leading efforts to stabilize the site. Local hospitals have been alerted to handle mass casualties, though the exact number of injured and deceased remains unconfirmed.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have taken charge of the investigation. Both agencies will examine flight data recorders and cockpit voice logs to determine what caused the crash—whether it was mechanical failure, pilot error, or another factor.
Air India has not yet released a formal statement with the flight number or the full list of passengers. Family members of those onboard are being contacted, and a helpline is expected to be issued shortly.
This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as official sources confirm further details.
