Terror in the Skies Air India Flight Plunges After Takeoff!

Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

In a devastating turn of events, Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and left families anxiously awaiting news.

Air India confirmed the accident in an official statement released on social media, stating, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off."

Here's what we know so far:

• The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. local time.
• On board were 242 passengers and crew members.
• The manifest included:
  • 169 Indian nationals
  • 53 British nationals
  • 1 Canadian national
  • 7 Portuguese nationals
• Injured passengers are being transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of India's Directorate of Civil Aviation, the crash occurred a mere five minutes after takeoff. Flight tracking website Flight Radar reported receiving a final signal from Flight AI171 just seconds after the aircraft left the ground. The flight path data indicates the plane traveled a short distance southwest of the airport before the signal was lost.

While official confirmation of casualties is still pending, India's Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed his devastation in a statement on social media. He stated he was "shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad."

Minister Kinjarapu has assured the public that:

• Officials are "on highest alert."
• He is "personally monitoring this situation."
• He has "directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action."

“Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” Kinjarapu added.

Gatwick Airport released a statement confirming that Flight AI171 "crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today." The flight was scheduled to arrive at Gatwick, located south of London, at 6:25 p.m. local time (1:25 p.m. Eastern).

Indian television channels are broadcasting images of thick smoke billowing from the crash site, along with scenes of significant structural damage and numerous ambulances responding to the emergency.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families during this incredibly difficult time.

Tags: Air India, AI171, Plane crash, Ahmedabad, Gatwick, Boeing 787, Flight accident, Indian nationals, UK nationals, Air disaster

In the wake of this tragedy, the global community stands in solidarity with those affected. We hope for swift rescue efforts and healing for the injured, and we remember those who may have been lost. The aviation industry will undoubtedly examine this event closely to understand the cause and prevent future incidents.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-india-plane-crash-ahmedabad-flight-ai171-to-london-gatwick/