A devastating air tragedy struck India on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, headed for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff in the city of Ahmedabad. Of the 242 people on board, only one survivor has been confirmed.
The aircraft, designated Flight 171, plummeted into a densely populated residential area around lunchtime, smashing into buildings that housed doctors and their families. The crash caused fires and massive destruction, with black smoke filling the sky.
According to city police commissioner GS Malik, 204 bodies have been recovered so far, and dozens of people remain hospitalized with injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing.
💬 Voices from the Scene
- “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words,”
- – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- “One half of the plane crashed into a residential building. The nose landed on the canteen where students were eating,”
- – Dr. Krishna, local resident
Eyewitnesses reported seeing 15 to 20 burnt bodies immediately after the crash. Some students were rescued from the affected canteen, thanks to quick actions by nearby doctors and residents.
🛫 Flight Details
- Passengers: 242
- Crew: 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew
- Nationalities on board:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British
- 7 Portuguese
- 1 Canadian
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
Image of the only survival in the plane crash below.
🇬🇧 Global Reaction
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash “devastating,” while King Charles III expressed that he was “desperately shocked.” Both the UK and US aviation authorities are sending investigative teams to assist Indian officials.
🚨 Airport and Investigation Update
- Ahmedabad’s airport has been shut down, with all flights suspended until further notice. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane issued a mayday signal before it crashed.
Boeing, the US-based manufacturer of the 787 Dreamliner, has pledged full support for the investigation. A source revealed this is the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
💰 Compensation and Support
The Tata Group, owners of Air India, has announced ₹10 million (approximately $117,000) in compensation for the families of each deceased victim and pledged to cover all medical costs for the injured. An emergency response center has been activated for families seeking information.
📜 Past Air Tragedies in India
- India has witnessed major air disasters in the past, including:
- 1996: Two jets collided mid-air over New Delhi, killing nearly 350 people.
- 2010: An Air India Express crash in Mangalore killed 158 of 166 passengers on board.
🕯 In Summary
The cause of Thursday’s crash remains unknown, and experts say it’s too early to speculate. But what’s clear is that this tragic event has shaken the nation—and the world. Investigations continue, while families, responders, and officials grapple with the heavy toll of this unprecedented disaster.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, and we bring you the latest Nigerian news on politics and economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates, including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
