Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead

A plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, just minutes after taking off on Thursday, resulting in more than 200 fatalities.

“The tragedy of Ahmedabad has taken us by surprise and filled us with sorrow. It’s really hard to express how heart-wrenching this is. My thoughts are with everyone affected,” said a local leader.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to Gatwick, London, when witnesses reported seeing it descend before thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Photos shared online reveal the wreckage of the plane, which struck a doctor’s hostel. Tragically, all 242 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 UK citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals perished in the incident.

As for the cause of the crash, air traffic control at Ahmedabad Airport shared that the aircraft issued a “mayday” call shortly after taking off around 1:30 PM local time but there was no further communication. The exact reason for the crash is still unclear.

The chairman of Air India described AI171 as a part of a “tragic accident” and stated that the airline is doing everything possible to aid emergency responders and support the victims’ families.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, noting the devastating scene, with many British citizens involved. He mentioned being kept up to date as information unfolds and extended his thoughts to the passengers and their families during this incredibly difficult time.

This incident marks the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its debut in 2011, as noted in a recent report. The last fatal aviation incident in India occurred in 2020, when an Air India Express flight skidded off the runway in Kozhikode, resulting in 21 deaths.

In Memory of the Victims

In these heartbreaking moments, we pray for peace and solace for those who lost loved ones in this disaster. May we all be reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Amen.