What Immediate Clarification Does Akhilesh Yadav Seek After the Ahmedabad Crash?

New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) The chief of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, has urgently requested an immediate clarification regarding the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, emphasizing the necessity to eliminate any confusion that has arisen from the tragic event involving flight AI-171, which was transporting 242 individuals, including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and 2 pilots.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav remarked: “There should be immediate clarification of the Ahmedabad plane crash to ensure that all uncertainties are cleared up. My thoughts are with all passengers and crew members. The utmost level of rescue, relief, and medical assistance must be provided.”

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway into the crash of the London-bound flight, which tragically went down shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB, crashed just beyond the airport's perimeter only minutes after its departure.

As per officials, the aircraft took off at 13:39 IST from Runway 23. A Mayday call was initiated soon after takeoff, but no further communication was received from the cockpit. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 hours of flying time, along with First Officer Clive Kundar, who has around 1,100 hours logged.

Eyewitnesses and airport staff reported observing thick black smoke emanating from the crash site. The DGCA has indicated that emergency services were promptly dispatched, and rescue operations are ongoing. Preliminary assessments suggest that the aircraft may not have achieved adequate altitude following takeoff, leading to the crash just outside the airport boundary.

DGCA representatives are currently at the site, collecting flight data, voice recordings, and accounts from witnesses. Officials from Boeing are also anticipated to support the investigation.

This incident represents one of the most significant aviation disasters in India in recent years involving a wide-body aircraft. Authorities have yet to disclose any confirmed information regarding casualties or survivors.

While initial theories speculate on potential engine failure or flight control issues, officials have urged the public and media to refrain from drawing hasty conclusions until the investigation provides formal findings.

In light of this tragedy, Air India has activated its emergency response center and mobilized dedicated support teams to assist the families of those on board.

According to an official statement from the airline, the flight, which departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours, was carrying passengers from various nationalities: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.

Ahmedabad Police has also made available an emergency contact number: 07925620359.

Further updates will follow as the investigation advances.