A tragic aviation incident unfolded near Ahmedabad airport as an Air India flight en route to London crashed in the Meghani area shortly after takeoff. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying 242 passengers when it went down, creating a chaotic and terrifying scene for residents in the vicinity. The crash occurred in a densely populated locality, raising fears of potential casualties not only among passengers but also on the ground.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by a powerful explosion, after which thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Visuals from the crash site quickly circulated across social media, depicting the scale of the disaster and triggering widespread panic in the region.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, local residents rushed toward the wreckage in an attempt to rescue survivors and offer assistance before official rescue teams could arrive. Their prompt action played a crucial role in the early response phase. However, the site was quickly cordoned off and emergency services took charge of the rescue and recovery operations.
Firefighters, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, and local police have been deployed to the site and are actively working to douse any residual flames, locate survivors, and recover bodies, if any. Due to the crash's proximity to residential areas, precautionary evacuations were carried out to ensure the safety of nearby inhabitants, and the area was placed under emergency alert.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this stage. Aviation authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the incident once the area is secured and made safe for assessment. The black box and flight data recorder will be crucial in determining what led to the accident.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel acted swiftly, travelling to Ahmedabad to monitor the situation personally. His presence at the crash site underscored the gravity of the incident. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held an in-depth discussion with the Chief Minister to evaluate the unfolding crisis and coordinate central support.
According to a statement by the news agency IANS, the central government has pledged full assistance to Gujarat authorities, including technical, logistical, and medical support, to manage the aftermath of the crash. Relief camps and emergency medical services have been activated in nearby hospitals to handle incoming casualties.
So far, no official statement has been released regarding the number of fatalities or survivors, leaving families and the general public in anxious anticipation. The government has promised timely updates and transparency as more information becomes available.
The entire nation watches closely as rescue efforts continue. The tragic incident has reignited discussions around aviation safety and emergency preparedness in India. Further details, including the final casualty count and technical causes of the crash, are expected to be revealed following the completion of the investigation.