What Happened in Ahmedabad as Plane Crash Sparks Fire?
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Synopsis
A catastrophic plane crash in Ahmedabad has left residents in shock. Air India Flight AI-171 tragically collided shortly after takeoff, igniting a massive fire and leading to emergency evacuations. Eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing escape stories, while rescue operations unfold amidst widespread chaos.
Key Takeaways
- A tragic plane crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
- Eyewitnesses reported people jumping from buildings to escape the fire.
- The black box has been recovered for investigation purposes.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with support from the NDRF.
- Emergency numbers have been established for victim support.
Ahmedabad, June 12 (NationPress) A devastating incident occurred in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI-171, destined for London’s Gatwick Airport, tragically crashed just moments after departing from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. This led to a temporary halt of all flight activities at the airport.
The horror of the situation was intensified by testimonies from survivors and their families. Ramila, a local resident, shared a heart-wrenching account of her son’s near-fatal experience. “My son had gone to the hostel for lunch. I thought I had lost him. But by God’s grace, he jumped from the second floor and survived with only minor injuries,” she recounted.
Numerous eyewitnesses reported that individuals leaped from higher floors to escape the advancing flames.
Rescue teams confirmed that they have retrieved the aircraft's black box, which will be vital in uncovering the crash's true cause. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, took off at 1:38 PM from runway 23.
Just two minutes into its ascent, around 1:40 PM, the aircraft lost altitude and collided with a medical college hostel building in the Meghani Nagar area, igniting a massive fire and triggering widespread panic.
The crash site was shrouded in thick black smoke, visible from miles away. Upon hearing the news, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed from Surat to Asarwa Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where many injured passengers were taken. Expressing his condolences over the incident, CM Patel described the crash as “deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking,” and ordered all relevant departments to conduct rescue and relief operations urgently.
The CM also instructed for the establishment of green corridors for the swift transfer of the injured to hospitals, ensuring that emergency medical services are prioritized at medical facilities throughout the city.
In the meantime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated with CM Patel, assuring complete support from the Central government. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were quickly mobilized to assist local authorities in ongoing rescue and evacuation efforts.
Initial findings suggest that a technical malfunction related to tire retraction during takeoff may have led to the crash. Sources indicate that after the aircraft's tires failed to retract properly, it struck a building near the airport.
The impact severed the aircraft's tail section, and it continued forward, crashing into the Atulyam building, which housed intern doctors from a nearby medical college.
The wing of the aircraft hit the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the hostel, causing significant structural damage. The building is now at risk of collapse, with many residents inside at the time of the crash.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed for all operations until further notice, with flights being diverted or canceled. This incident stands as one of India’s most tragic aviation disasters in recent years, with a diverse range of nationalities aboard, including British, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens, alongside a majority of Indian passengers.
In response to the crash, the Gujarat government has established a control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Citizens and relatives of passengers can contact the center at phone: 079-232-51900 or mobile: 9978405304.
Additionally, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has issued two emergency numbers – 6357373831 and 6357373841 – for inquiries regarding patient care and trauma center assistance.
Point of View
This incident highlights the urgent need for scrutinizing aviation safety protocols. The crash is not just a local tragedy; it resonates across the nation, demanding accountability and robust responses from both state and national authorities.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the airplane crash in Ahmedabad?
Preliminary reports indicate that a technical malfunction involving tire retraction failure during takeoff may have caused the crash.
How many people were on board the flight?
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
What measures are being taken for the injured?
The Gujarat government has established green corridors for immediate medical assistance and set up emergency contact numbers for inquiries.
Is the airport still closed?
Yes, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed for all operations until further notice.
What support is being provided to the victims' families?
A control room has been set up at the State Emergency Operation Centre for families to reach out for information and support.
