Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of nearly all onboard and causing fatalities on the ground. Just 11 seconds into the flight, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal issued a mayday call, reporting engine failure and loss of thrust. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner then plunged into a residential area, sparking fires and widespread devastation. Authorities are investigating mechanical issues and possible bird strikes as potential causes.
Captain Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot nearing retirement, had recently promised his father a break to spend more time together—a moment that sadly never came. First Officer Clive Kunder and several crew members also died in the crash. Families expecting routine calls from passengers were instead met with heartbreaking confirmation of the disaster.
The plane struck a student hostel at B.J. Medical College, severely damaging the building and injuring several residents. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams searching through debris and treating victims in local hospitals. The tragedy has shaken the city of Mumbai, where many crew members were based, and left communities in mourning.
Flight AI171 carried passengers of various nationalities, including Indian, British, Canadian, and Portuguese citizens. Weather conditions were clear, and contact with air traffic control was lost within minutes. As the investigation unfolds, officials continue to provide support to families, while the nation grieves this tragic loss.