That’s what happened Thursday evening at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. What was supposed to be a routine flight from Ahmedabad to London turned into one of the most terrifying aviation disasters in recent memory.
This post isn’t just about the crash. It’s about the people, the fear, the unanswered questions—and what we know so far.
What Happened on the Runway?
According to early reports, an Air India international flight bound for London crashed during takeoff. The aircraft, carrying nearly 290 passengers, was accelerating down the runway when something went wrong.
Eyewitnesses near Meghaninagar described three loud explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke that could be seen from as far as Vastrapur, nearly 10 km away.
The aircraft reportedly lost control mid-takeoff and crashed into a nearby apartment complex, turning a regular evening into a nightmare for both passengers and residents.
Immediate Response from Emergency Teams
Within minutes, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services arrived at the scene with over five firefighting vehicles from different divisions.
Their mission? Rescue the survivors. Contain the flames. Save as many lives as possible.
Officials confirmed that:
- All roads leading to the airport were sealed for safety.
- Rescue operations were ongoing throughout the night.
- The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals.
The Human Toll: Were Lives Lost?
This is the part that’s hardest to write… and even harder to read.
Initial, unconfirmed reports suggest that over 133 lives may have been lost in the crash. Other sources mentioned 250–290 passengers onboard.
But so far, no official statement has confirmed the exact death toll.
Families are waiting. Hoping. Praying.
What Could’ve Caused This?
Right now, authorities are keeping things tight-lipped. But what we do know is:
- A technical malfunction in the aircraft’s engine is believed to be the primary cause.
- The airport authorities have launched a full internal inquiry.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also conducting an investigation.
- A technical assessment team is examining the aircraft wreckage for more answers.
The Scene on the Ground
Witnesses say the crash felt like an earthquake.
The plane crashed into a flat in a densely populated residential area. Fire brigade teams battled flames while pulling survivors from debris.
The Bigger Picture—And the Questions We’re Left With
We’ve all flown at some point. We trust pilots. We trust planes. But what happens when that trust is broken?
This tragedy has left everyone asking:
- How could such a massive technical failure happen during takeoff?
- Was this preventable?
- What safety protocols failed?
- Will Air India or DGCA take responsibility?
Right now, there are more questions than answers. And a grieving nation waits.
FAQs About the Ahmedabad Air India Crash
Q: Was it a domestic or international flight?
A: It was an international flight headed from Ahmedabad to London.
Q: How many people were onboard?
A: Reports vary between 250 to 290 passengers. Official numbers are still awaited.
Q: Were there any survivors?
A: Some injured passengers have been rescued and hospitalized, but the extent of survival is still unclear.
Q: What caused the crash?
A: Initial reports suggest a technical failure in the engine, but official confirmation is pending.
Q: Did the plane crash inside the airport?
A: The aircraft crashed into a residential apartment near Meghaninagar during takeoff.
Q: What is being done now?
A: Fire services, police, and medical teams are continuing rescue and relief operations. DGCA is investigating.