A tragic accident has unfolded involving Air India Flight #AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Reg: VT-ANB), which crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick.
The aircraft lost radar contact at 625 feet shortly after departing around 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC). It came down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, striking several residential structures and a hostel believed to house medical students.
Emergency response teams are on site conducting rescue and recovery operations. Fire and thick smoke were visible across the crash zone. Several ground casualties have been confirmed, and reports are still coming in on the number of survivors onboard.
The flight was carrying 242 people: 230 passengers and12 crew members including nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
This marks the first hull-loss of a Boeing 787 in commercial service and is among the most serious accidents in Air India’s recent history.
The DGCA, Air India, and Boeing have launched a full investigation. Technical factors are being closely examined, and more updates will follow as authorities confirm the details.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
