Air India 787 Crash Kills 241; Probe Advances

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard and causing several casualties on the ground, including the death of a 14-year-old boy. The aircraft issued a mayday call before rapidly descending and crashing into a residential area near a medical college hostel, with witnesses describing extensive devastation. Initial investigations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have ruled out bird strikes, overloading, and pilot error as likely causes, and both engines failing at once is considered highly improbable. The flight recorder has been recovered, facilitating the ongoing investigation involving Indian and international agencies, as well as Boeing and the British Air Accident Investigation Branch. This marks the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787, a model under scrutiny due to previous safety concerns and whistleblower allegations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met the sole survivor, while authorities continue to probe possible causes, including a potential loss of thrust or wing flap malfunction.