A London-bound Air India flight crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, killing most of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when it lost altitude and plummeted into a densely populated residential area in Meghaninagar. As per early reports, at least 204 bodies have been recovered, though official confirmation is awaited.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:39 PM, just minutes after departure, sending thick plumes of smoke over the Meghaninagar locality. The aircraft reportedly collided with a doctors’ hostel within the BJ Medical College residential complex, causing severe destruction. Police and rescue teams have cordoned off the crash site and are working to recover victims from the debris.
Air India Flight AI-171, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, was operating a long-haul international route to the United Kingdom when disaster struck. The presence of prominent political leader Vijay Rupani on board adds a grave dimension to the tragedy. Initial investigations suggest a technical malfunction during takeoff, although a full probe by aviation authorities is underway.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the plane crashed into the medical college housing quarters near the Ahmedabad airport. Several residents of the area were reportedly injured, though official casualty numbers on the ground are yet to be confirmed. The Meghaninagar plane crash is now being termed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
