National News: In a devastating incident on Thursday afternoon, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar just five minutes after takeoff. The crash occurred atop the hostel building of BJ Medical College. According to eyewitnesses, the hostel’s canteen—usually bustling with medical students during lunchtime—was hit directly. Early estimates fear the loss of around 20 students, although official confirmation is awaited.
Wreckage Hangs from Hostel, Thick Smoke Clouds the Sky
Images emerging from the crash site paint a grim picture. The rear section of the aircraft was seen hanging from the hostel structure while the front of the plane had been completely incinerated. Thick black smoke billowed into the air, engulfing the area in fear and chaos. Rescue efforts were immediately launched. Three NDRF teams are on-site, while two additional teams from Vadodara are en route. A green corridor has been established to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital where the injured are being transported. The city’s police commissioner and municipal authorities are at the scene.
Fire, Explosion and Panic After Mid-Air Tragedy
The aircraft reportedly clipped a tree shortly after takeoff before crashing violently into the building, triggering a massive explosion. Fire brigades rushed to the scene, but by then the aircraft was already engulfed in flames. Streets around the site were sealed off. The inferno and its resulting smoke cloud were visible for miles, leaving residents in shock and authorities scrambling for containment.
Trauma Centres Activated, Victims Flood Hospitals
Emergency services immediately activated trauma units at Civil Hospital. Injured locals, presumed to be hostel residents or bystanders, were rushed for treatment. The hospital remained on high alert, and ambulance services were prioritized for rapid access. So far, no information has been released about any passengers from the aircraft. Authorities continue to search the wreckage for survivors.
Hospitals on High Alert, Investigation Underway
All hospitals across Ahmedabad have been alerted. Five large ambulances were dispatched to the site. Air India confirmed that flight AI-171 had crashed and stated that a full investigation is underway. The aircraft had taken off at 1:39 PM IST from runway 23. Just moments after takeoff, the pilot issued a distress "Mayday" call. Soon after, communication was lost. A total of 242 people were on board, including two pilots, 10 crew members, and 230 passengers. No further updates on their status have been provided.
