Ahmedabad Air Crash: Though final official confirmation is awaited on the exact toll, most of the 242 passengers onboard are feared Dead as Air India Dreamliner Explodes Minutes After Takeoff; Probe Begins, Report Timeline Sought
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 12 — A horrifying aviation tragedy struck Gujarat’s capital when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed within minutes of takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, plummeting into the doctors’ hostel of B.J. Medical College.
The aircraft burst into flames on impact, killing over 240 onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, as per initial estimates.
The death toll on the ground may rise, with several medical students and staff unaccounted for.
What Went Wrong?
According to aviation sources, the pilot issued a distress call seconds before radar contact was lost.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft flew unusually low, with its landing gear still down and flaps deployed, indicating a critical technical failure right after takeoff.
Weather conditions were clear, ruling out atmospheric turbulence.
The aircraft, loaded with fuel for the international route, turned into a fireball on impact, razing part of the building and trapping many under debris.
Airline, Boeing and Ministry Respond
Air India confirmed the crash and has set up an emergency helpline and family support center.
Boeing and GE Aerospace, manufacturers of the aircraft and engines respectively, have dispatched technical teams and expressed cooperation with the Indian inquiry.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, rushed to Ahmedabad along with Home Minister Amit Shah, termed the incident "unimaginable" and vowed a fair and transparent probe.
Inquiry and Report Timeline
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have taken over the site. Flight Data Recorder (black box) recovery efforts are underway.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a high-level inquiry and directed the AAIB to submit a preliminary report within 30 days.
A final investigation report is expected within 90 to 120 days, depending on data analysis and coordination with foreign aviation agencies.
International assistance, including from the U.S. FAA and British NTSB, is being sought since the aircraft was U.S.-made and en route to the UK.
Public Anguish and Safety Questions
The incident has sparked nationwide grief and reignited concerns over aviation safety, fleet maintenance, and the ageing aircraft used on international routes.
The aircraft involved had been in service for over 11 years, though Air India claims it passed all routine checks.
Critics are demanding a full safety audit of Air India’s widebody fleet, especially after the carrier’s recent expansion.
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