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National News: A routine international flight turned into a national tragedy on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI171 to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft plunged into the Meghaninagar locality, bursting into flames and sending shockwaves across Gujarat. Eyewitnesses described a deafening explosion followed by a fireball engulfing the site. The aircraft reportedly collided with a residential block used as a doctors’ hostel, injuring at least 15 medical professionals. Initial estimates suggest that all 242 passengers and 10 crew members aboard are feared dead. Among the deceased is reportedly former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The crash site was quickly overtaken by thick black smoke and towering flames. Panic gripped local residents as the fire spread rapidly through the area. Emergency services rushed to the spot, where rescue operations were launched under perilous conditions. Firefighters battled for hours to douse the flames, while NDRF teams scoured the wreckage for survivors. The impact of the crash shattered windows of nearby buildings and shook the ground like a minor quake. Residents described the experience as apocalyptic. Several homes sustained structural damage due to the crash and subsequent fire.
Responding swiftly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to assess the situation. Shah assured complete central assistance and instructed federal agencies to coordinate relief efforts on a war footing. “No stone will be left unturned in rescue and investigation,” he stated. Multiple senior officials from DGCA, AAIB, and NDRF have already reached Ahmedabad. The Civil Aviation Ministry has launched an inquiry into the incident, while Air India has convened an emergency crisis cell in Delhi.
Following the crash, emergency was declared in all nearby hospitals. Doctors were called in from home, and burn wards were activated for the injured. Medical teams have been deployed at the crash site for immediate triage. So far, charred remains and flight debris are still being recovered from the wreckage. With nightfall approaching, floodlights have been installed to continue the operation. Authorities fear more bodies might be trapped beneath the rubble. Survivors, if any, are yet to be located.
A high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the disaster. Preliminary findings point toward a sudden technical failure, though sabotage has not been ruled out. Data from the black box will be crucial in piecing together the final moments of flight AI171.
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