In a devastating incident on Thursday afternoon, Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after takeoff, leading to the closure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft’s impact was catastrophic, hitting a residential hostel for intern doctors near Meghani Nagar, igniting a massive blaze and leaving extensive destruction in its wake.
Preliminary reports suggest that the plane’s wing clipped the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the multi-storied hostel, which housed over 50 young medical interns and their families. The collision triggered a fierce fire, engulfing the building rapidly. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with many residents jumping from windows to escape the flames.
Among the tragic details, eyewitnesses reported harrowing acts of desperation, including a man who reportedly threw his child from the fourth floor in a bid to save her, and a woman who suffered critical injuries after jumping from the same floor. The disaster has left more than eight people feared dead, with dozens injured or missing.
As rescue efforts intensified, disturbing reports emerged of theft at the site. Authorities found safes, cash, jewelry, and mobile phones ransacked, with some individuals posing as volunteers and stealing from the distressed residents. This has sparked outrage among locals and officials alike.
The recovery of the aircraft’s black box—crucial for understanding the accident—was confirmed early on, and investigators are analyzing the data. Initial assessments suggest possible double engine failure due to bird strikes shortly after takeoff, but further confirmation is awaited.
Rescue teams, including fire brigades, NDRF units, and emergency responders, worked tirelessly into the night amidst the chaos. The heavily damaged hostel remains at risk of collapse, complicating ongoing rescue efforts.
Official casualty figures are yet to be announced, and authorities continue to investigate the causes of the tragic crash. Further updates are expected as rescue and inquiry operations proceed.