KKN Gurugram Desk | A tragic air disaster has rocked the nation, as an Air India Dreamliner flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 265 people. The crash has triggered swift responses from multiple state governments, including Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration has activated emergency protocols and released helpline numbers for families seeking information.

Massive Tragedy in Ahmedabad: AI-171 Crashes Minutes After Takeoff

On Thursday, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at 1:38 PM IST, bound for London. Within just two minutes of takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and crashed, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

According to official sources, the flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British citizens

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian citizen

The confirmed death toll currently stands at 265, with authorities still recovering bodies and black box data to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Bihar Government Activates Disaster Response System

In response to the growing national concern, the Government of Bihar has swiftly stepped in. Through the Disaster Management Department, the state has issued an emergency helpline to assist citizens whose relatives may have been aboard the ill-fated flight.

Official Helpline Numbers Issued:

• 0612-2294204

• 0612-2294205

• Toll-Free Emergency Number: 1070

The state government has appealed to the public to report any information about Bihar residents who may have been involved in the accident. The official circular emphasized the need for real-time coordination to ensure accurate information reaches families and relevant authorities without delay.

“The Disaster Management Department is fully committed to minimizing the impact of this tragedy. We urge citizens to reach out via the helpline numbers for any support,” the statement said.

Why Bihar’s Response Matters

Bihar has a large population of migrant workers, students, and professionals who frequently travel across India and abroad. With over 169 Indian passengers on board, it’s highly likely that some hail from Bihar or have familial ties to the state. The proactive stance taken by the Nitish Kumar government is seen as a model response in times of national crisis.

What Happened During the Crash?

Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate that technical malfunction may have played a role in the accident. However, the black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are currently under forensic analysis.

Eyewitnesses near the airport reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of black smoke. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but the impact and fire made survival unlikely for most passengers.

Air India Confirms National and International Casualties

Air India officials released a passenger demographic breakdown confirming the international nature of the flight. Several foreign embassies, including those of the UK, Portugal, and Canada, are coordinating with Indian authorities to identify victims and provide assistance to families.

The tragedy has triggered international media attention, and global aviation watchdogs have also begun their own investigations into the Dreamliner’s mechanical and safety records.

Reactions from Political and Aviation Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and called the incident a “national tragedy,” while also assuring that the government will provide full support to the affected families.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. We will ensure a thorough investigation and accountability,” PM Modi said in a press release.

Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, extended condolences and reiterated the state’s commitment to helping all families affected by the crash.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy. The state stands with every affected family. We are doing everything to identify and support those from Bihar,” said the CM.

Passenger Identity Verification Underway

Air India and airport officials are currently coordinating with state governments to verify the identities of victims. Families are being asked to provide:

• Flight booking details

• ID proof

• Photographs

• DNA samples (if required for confirmation)

The process is being closely monitored under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Ministry and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Past Aviation Incidents and Safety Concerns

This tragedy raises fresh concerns about India’s aviation safety protocols. Though the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is considered one of the safest aircraft globally, this crash will likely prompt:

• A full review of Air India’s maintenance records

• Reassessment of DGCA’s oversight

• Evaluation of airport emergency response systems

The Indian aviation sector had made significant progress in safety ratings in recent years, but this incident could influence international regulatory scrutiny moving forward.

What Happens Next?

As the investigation continues, several key areas will be addressed:

• Technical root cause of the crash

• Pilot training records and experience

• Aircraft maintenance logs

• Air traffic control communication

Additionally, compensation processes, international diplomatic coordination, and long-term policy reforms are expected to dominate discussions over the coming weeks.

The Ahmedabad plane crash is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of robust safety and emergency management systems. With 265 lives lost, including citizens from multiple countries, this is more than just a national tragedy—it is a global one.