An Air India Boeing 787 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, with approximately 242 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft was en route to London's Gatwick Airport when the incident occurred.
Flight 171 had reached an altitude of about 625 feet at a speed of 174 kilometres per second before the crash. Eyewitness videos captured black smoke billowing from the crash site.
Prime Minister Modi Responds to Tragedy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as "heartbreaking beyond words" in a statement posted on his X account.
"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words," Modi tweeted.
The Prime Minister further stated that he has been in communication with Indian authorities, including government ministers who are coordinating assistance efforts for those affected by the crash.
BenriNews reports that emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Details regarding casualties and the cause of the crash are still emerging as investigations commence.
This incident marks one of the most significant aviation disasters involving an Indian carrier in recent years. Air India, which was recently privatized after being under government ownership for decades, has been expanding its international routes.
Aviation experts note that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has generally maintained a strong safety record since its introduction to commercial service, making this incident particularly concerning for the aviation industry.
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