Ahmedabad, June 12:
What was meant to be a routine international flight turned into a national tragedy on Thursday afternoon, as an Air India Boeing Dreamliner 787, carrying 242 passengers, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight was en route to London, but never made it beyond the city’s skies.
Impact Near Meghaninagar, Inferno Follows
The aircraft reportedly hit a structure — possibly a building or boundary wall — near the airport while ascending. Within seconds, it erupted into flames, with the explosion heard across multiple neighborhoods. The crash site, located in the Meghaninagar area, was quickly engulfed in fire and thick smoke, visible from several kilometers away.
Complete Destruction, No Survivors Expected
Initial visuals are heartbreaking. The aircraft lies in ruins, its body torn apart, wings dismembered, and the entire structure burnt to ashes. Part of the aircraft appears to have fallen onto a nearby residential building, which has also suffered serious damage. Rescue teams are on-site, but hope is fading fast.
Emergency officials fear that all 242 lives on board may have been lost, though official confirmation is still awaited.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze, Rescue Underway
Fire brigades and disaster response teams were rushed to the scene within minutes. Videos show firefighters battling intense flames, working tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Partial success has been reported in controlling the blaze, but recovery operations remain extremely difficult due to the scale of the wreckage and ongoing fire risks.
City in Shock, Chaos Around the Airport
The usually bustling areas around Ahmedabad Airport turned into zones of panic and despair. People screamed, fled the area, and traffic came to a halt. The tragic scene has left the city numb. Families of passengers have begun to arrive at the airport, desperately seeking information.
Medical Emergency Declared
The nearby Civil Hospital has been placed on emergency alert, with all medical staff called back from leave. Ambulances and medical teams are standing by for any survivors — though none have been found as of now.
Authorities Begin Probe
Aviation authorities and senior Air India officials have reached the site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause. Experts suggest a technical fault or takeoff misjudgment may be responsible, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Nation Grieves
As news of the crash spreads, condolences have poured in from across India and abroad. Prime Minister and government officials have expressed deep sorrow and are monitoring the situation closely.
This is being called one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the country in recent years.
