Today proved to be a day of immense tragedy for India, as an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of nearly 200 people within just two minutes. The death toll is expected to rise, with reports suggesting that almost all passengers and crew members on board have perished.

The Fateful Flight

The ill-fated Air India flight, bound for London, took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM. Merely two minutes later, at 1:40 PM, disaster struck. The crash has left the entire nation in mourning, as news of the catastrophe spread rapidly.

On board were 230 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. There were also 12 crew members. Distressingly, reports indicate that there are very few, if any, survivors.

A Scene of Devastation

The crash was so severe that most of the bodies recovered from the site were charred beyond recognition, making identification possible only through DNA testing. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was initially reported as seriously injured but later succumbed to his injuries.

The aircraft collided with a building that housed a hostel for doctors from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. At the time of the crash, 50 to 60 doctors were present in the building, with over 15 reported injured.

Hospitals Overwhelmed

The impact of the crash was felt immediately in the surrounding area, as smoke filled the air and chaos ensued. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital quickly ran out of stretchers, forcing people to transport bodies using handcarts. The hospital also faced a shortage of O-negative blood, prompting urgent appeals for donations. Even now, victims are being brought to the hospital for treatment.

Questions Over Safety

This horrific accident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety in India. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been at the center of multiple controversies and technical issues in recent years, including:

– Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: In 2013, two separate incidents of battery fires grounded Dreamliners worldwide for three months.
– Manufacturing Defects: From 2020 to 2022, several Dreamliners were found to have gaps in the fuselage and poorly joined carbon fiber components, leading to delivery halts and increased scrutiny by aviation authorities.
– Structural Integrity Concerns: In April 2024, whistleblower Sam Sale, a Boeing engineer, alleged that some parts of the Dreamliner’s body were not properly joined, potentially risking mid-air breakups. Boeing initially acknowledged manufacturing changes but maintained that the aircraft’s strength was uncompromised.
– Whistleblower Deaths: Several Boeing engineers who raised safety concerns have died under mysterious circumstances, including John Barnett in March 2024.
– Technical Failures: The Dreamliner has faced repeated issues with engine failures, oil leaks, electrical system faults, windshield cracks, fuel leaks, and software glitches. In 2024, a hydraulic oil leak forced an ANA Dreamliner to abort takeoff in Japan, raising further questions about maintenance and design.

Passengers’ Complaints

A passenger named Akash, who flew to Ahmedabad on the same flight just two hours before the crash, posted a video highlighting various technical faults: non-functional air conditioning, broken TV screens, and unresponsive cabin call buttons. His concerns echoed the broader questions now being asked about the aircraft’s safety.

A Nation in Mourning

As rescue operations continue and authorities investigate the cause of the crash, the nation is left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The families of those lost are seeking strength to endure this tragedy, while the public demands a thorough investigation and accountability.