Air India Flight 171 Crash: Devastating Incident
A shocking video obtained by the Mirror shows the tail section of Air India Flight 171 sticking out of a mess hall for student doctors 2km from the airport, just seconds after take-off. The plane, which exploded shortly after departure, hit the first floor of the building, causing significant damage and resulting in multiple casualties. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, appeared to explode when it crashed shortly after take-off, with many passengers and crew feared dead.
Key Takeaways:
- Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, exploded shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport, resulting in a devastating crash.
- The plane hit the first floor of a nearby building, causing significant damage and multiple casualties.
- The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
- Reports from the scene suggest more than 100 bodies have been taken to a local hospital.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the crash "devastating", while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was "heartbreaking beyond words".
- A crisis team has been stood up by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO and the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
- Air India's chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran confirmed the plane was involved in a tragic accident and expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
Statistics:
- 242 people were on board Air India Flight 171.
- 217 adults and 11 children were on board the flight.
- 53 British nationals were among the passengers.
- 169 Indian nationals were on board.
- 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national were also on board.
- Reports from the scene suggest more than 100 bodies have been taken to a local hospital.
Sources:
- The Mirror
- Reuters
- Air India
- Flightradar24
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO