Air India Flight 171 Disaster: 242 Lives Lost in Ahmedabad Crash

A devastating air disaster occurred today when an Air India plane, Flight 171, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff near the major international airport in Ahmedabad, western India. The carrier and government officials have confirmed the incident, with police commissioner G.S. Malik stating that there appear to be no survivors.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick Airport, departing just before 5 a.m. ET. Tragically, it crashed into a residential area, resulting in the recovery of more than 100 bodies, which were transported to a local hospital. The police commissioner indicated that there may also be local casualties due to the crash’s impact on the populated area.

“Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained,” Malik noted, as authorities continue to assess the situation. The flight, which included 12 crew members, took off from Ahmedabad airport at midday local time and crashed shortly thereafter.

While plane crashes are relatively rare in India, the country maintains some of the world’s strictest aviation safety standards. Historically, India has experienced over 50 major air disasters since gaining independence, with the most catastrophic being a 1996 mid-air collision that claimed 349 lives.

Earlier this month, the Indian government pledged to take action against those responsible for a wave of bomb threats that disrupted over 90 flights from Indian airports. The threats were primarily aimed at Indian airlines but also affected international carriers. “Safety and security is the foremost aspect,” stated Indian Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

This tragic incident comes in the wake of Air India’s transition to private ownership under the Tata Group in 2022. Tata chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran announced the activation of an emergency center to assist families seeking information about their loved ones involved in the crash.

The British Foreign Office has mobilized crisis teams in both London and Delhi to support the British nationals affected by the tragedy. British Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed heartfelt condolences in a parliamentary address, confirming that British nationals were on board and that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is collaborating with local authorities to provide assistance.

In response to the crash, shares of Boeing fell by more than 8% in premarket trading. The company issued a statement acknowledging initial reports and stated it is working diligently to gather more information. Boeing’s safety record has come under scrutiny following two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft that resulted in over 340 fatalities.