An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, flight AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, bound for London. The plane went down in the Meghani area, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the air and triggering an immediate emergency response.
There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The aircraft’s registration number was VT-ANB. Multiple fire engines and ambulances have been dispatched to the crash site to carry out rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force has deployed teams to the scene.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and officials have yet to release a statement on the suspected cause. A formal investigation will be initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, with possible assistance from Boeing.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations at the crash site and arrange for immediate medical care for injured passengers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat officials, assuring full cooperation from the central government in managing the aftermath of the crash.
