An Air India plane operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident shortly after take-off today. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs with 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
According to early reports from rescue workers on the scene, at least 30 bodies have been recovered from a building struck during the crash in Ahmedabad, The Guardian published. More people are feared trapped inside the structure, and injured survivors are being rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care, though early reports indicate there are unlikely to be any survivors from onboard the jetliner itself.
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger helpline on 1800 5691 444 for families seeking updates and support.
This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction into commercial service. Though the model has faced issues over the years, especially concerning its engines, the 787 has generally maintained a strong safety record. Notably, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has conducted several investigations into the aircraft, including a high-profile incident last year involving a mid-air dive on a LATAM flight. Allegations from a former Boeing engineer also led to calls for a global grounding of the fleet, which Boeing dismissed, affirming its confidence in the plane’s safety.
