In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 at Ahmedabad airport, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed immediate rescue and relief operations on a war footing. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to prioritise emergency medical care for the injured and facilitate a green corridor to transport them swiftly to hospitals.
Upon receiving news of the incident, CM Patel contacted Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior officials, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated efforts to manage the crisis.
The crashed aircraft, a Boeing 787 with 242 people on board—including 230 passengers and 12 crew members—was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The flight, operated by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft lost communication and crashed outside the airport perimeter, sending up heavy black smoke.
Air India confirmed the incident via an official statement, noting that further details would be provided as they become available.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Police Commissioner, offering full central government assistance. Meanwhile, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow and said he was personally monitoring the situation. “All emergency agencies have been activated, and rescue teams are on-site,” he said.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities continue their response to one of India’s most serious aviation incidents in recent years.
