Air India flight crashes in Ahmedabad, 244 onboard

NEW DELHI— A devastating tragedy unfolded on Thursday when an Air India passenger jet, carrying 244 people, crashed moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad. The shocking incident has left the nation in mourning while reigniting urgent debates about aviation safety.

The ill-fated aircraft, Air India flight AI 171, was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, confirmed that the plane plunged into Meghani Nagar, a residential area, just five minutes after departing Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 p.m.

Disturbing television footage captured thick black smoke billowing from the crash site as firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Meanwhile, authorities swiftly cordoned off the area to facilitate emergency operations and prevent further chaos.

Among the 244 onboard were 232 passengers and 12 crew members, their fates still uncertain. Despite rapid deployment of medical teams and disaster response units, officials have not yet released casualty figures, leaving families in agonizing suspense.

Notably, this marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft celebrated for its cutting-edge safety systems. Aviation experts expressed shock, as the model had maintained an impeccable safety record until this unprecedented disaster.

Investigators from the Directorate of Civil Aviation and Air India have launched a probe to uncover the cause of the crash. Additionally, Boeing has been alerted and will join the inquiry to provide critical technical insights into the tragedy.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones,” Kidwai stated solemnly. “We are mobilizing all available resources to aid rescue efforts and assist grieving families during this painful time.”

As the world watches closely, authorities continue piecing together the sequence of events that led to this catastrophe. Further updates will follow as new details emerge, offering hope for answers amid the sorrow.

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