In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India Flight AI171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into a residential zone near Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad just minutes after takeoff, sending shockwaves through the nation. The flight, which departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, issued a distress signal shortly before losing contact with air traffic control.
The aircraft was carrying a total of 242 people, including 215 economy class passengers, 15 in business class, and 12 crew members. Among them were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and multiple families, senior citizens, and children. Preliminary reports suggest more than 100 fatalities, though an official confirmation is awaited.
Authorities have now released a portion of the passenger manifest, confirming the identities of several individuals. Some of the confirmed names include:
- Mrs Amin A – Passport: GBR 575663312, Seat: 2H
- Mr Pramukh Inanda – Passport: IND Z7369421
- Mr Dilip Mahendrabhai Patel – Passport: IND Z3906675
- Mr Swapnil Soni – Passport: IND Z6712381
- Mr Vallabh Nagji Agheda – Passport: IND C9025946
- Mr Manish Babu – Passport: IND R8326463
- Mr Dhir Baxi – Passport: GBR 563474072
- Ms Deepanshi Bhadouriya – Passport: IND Z5948429
- Mr Kalyanigaurav Brahmbhatt – Passport: GBR 136898273
- Mr Faizan Rafik – Passport: IND T9788637
Eyewitnesses in Meghani Nagar described a terrifying scene, with the aircraft reportedly striking the ground at high speed, followed by a massive explosion and plumes of thick black smoke. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and NDRF units, arrived within minutes to control the fire and begin rescue operations.
