Investigation Urged After Tragic Plane Crash
In the wake of the devastating Air India flight 171 accident near Ahmedabad, a local resident at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation. He expressed his disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in an age of advanced technology.
During an interview, he questioned, "How many passengers were aboard that flight to London? What about the children? How did this incident transpire? A thorough inquiry is essential to understand the circumstances. Does human life hold no significance? Air India must take responsibility for this situation."
He further remarked, "When we purchase a ticket, we place our trust in the airline with our lives. This trust comes with an obligation. Air India needs to take decisive action against those accountable for this disaster. With all the technological advancements, how could such an event still happen?"
Air India confirmed that the tragic crash resulted in the loss of all 241 individuals on board the Boeing 787-8, including 12 crew members, late Friday night.
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat, colliding with a building housing resident doctors. Remarkably, one individual survived the crash, identified as a British national of Indian descent.
The flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flight hours, piloted the aircraft, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the plane took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It issued a Mayday call but subsequently failed to respond to ATC communications.
Shortly after leaving the runway, the aircraft crashed outside the airport's perimeter, with officials reporting heavy black smoke rising from the site.
In response to the tragedy, the Tata Group has pledged a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of each victim.
