An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 individuals met with disaster shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad in western India, as reported by local authorities and the airline on Thursday.
“The injured individuals are currently being transported to nearby hospitals,” stated Air India in a message shared on X.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the event, confirming that flight AI 171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident.
The cause of the incident remains unknown at this time and investigators may take several months to reach a conclusion. According to international protocols, the nation where the crash occurred will lead the investigation, along with input from officials, the aircraft manufacturer, engine manufacturers, and other relevant parties.
The aircraft was in transit to London Gatwick Airport when the incident occurred.
The flight was operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a highly regarded wide-body jet designed for longer routes. This particular aircraft was delivered to Air India in 2014, as noted by flight-tracking platform FlightRadar24.
Flight path data indicates that the aircraft ascended to a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (with the airport’s altitude being approximately 200 feet) before beginning to descend at a vertical rate of -475 feet per minute, as detailed by FlightRadar on X.
Boeing acknowledged the reports and stated that they are actively gathering more information regarding the situation.
In response to the accident, flights at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, a significant airport in the vicinity, were temporarily halted, according to an airport spokesperson.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his condolences via social media, stating, “I am profoundly saddened by the incident involving the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have directed officials to initiate immediate rescue and relief operations, as well as to ensure prompt medical assistance for the injured passengers.”
Finance Newso has contacted local law enforcement and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for further details.
India’s Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, emphasized the mobilization of rescue teams and the urgency of providing medical aid and relief support at the crash site, sharing his thoughts and prayers for those affected via a post on X.
The incident has impacted the stock market, with Boeing shares dropping over 7% in premarket trading.
This event comes just ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Air Show, where Boeing and its competitor Airbus were expected to announce numerous aircraft orders.
Although Boeing has made efforts to overcome previous years marked by safety and quality concerns, it remains uncertain whether any issues related to aircraft quality played a role in the Air India crash.
This is a developing story and updates will follow shortly.
