News Desk
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, extending condolences and solidarity to India. In a post on X, President Muizzu stated, “I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of @airindia flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.”
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:40 P.M. local time. The incident occurred in the Meghani Nagar area, where the plane struck a residential building, causing explosions and scattering debris. Thick black smoke was visible as emergency services, including the Indian Air Force, deployed helicopters and ambulances to the site.
Preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate the flight carried 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers. Rescue operations are ongoing, but no official casualty count has been confirmed. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with potential technical issues involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner being considered, despite Boeing’s claims of the model’s safety amid prior U.S. Federal Aviation Administration scrutiny.
The airport has halted operations, and a national mourning period is under consideration. British authorities have established a hotline for consular assistance. Families are gathering at an emergency center for updates as the international community hopes for survivors amidst the wreckage. The crash recalls a 1988 Indian Airlines incident near Ahmedabad that claimed 130 lives.
