Hours before a devastating crash in Ahmedabad, a passenger aboard the same Air India aircraft reported significant technical malfunctions, including a complete air conditioning failure and inoperable cabin systems. This revelation has added a critical dimension to the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.
The passenger, identified as Akash Vatsa, who flew on Air India flight AI171 from Delhi to Ahmedabad just two hours prior to the crash, detailed his alarming experience on social media. His widely circulated tweet on X (formerly Twitter) quickly went viral, drawing significant attention to the potential pre-existing issues with the aircraft. Vatsa's post, which included videos, stated, "I was in the same damn flight 2 hours before it took off from AMD. I came in this from DEL-AMD. Noticed unusual things in the plane."
Akash Vatsa's Viral Tweet and its Impact:
Akash Vatsa's tweet, which gained immense traction online, served as a crucial early alert about the aircraft's condition. His decision to document and share the in-flight issues, including videos showing passengers fanning themselves with magazines, highlighted the severity of the problems. The virality of his tweet led to widespread public discussion and added pressure for a thorough investigation into whether the reported technical faults were linked to the subsequent crash. Many users on X shared and retweeted his post, expressing shock and concern, and calling for accountability. Vatsa's immediate and detailed account became a significant piece of evidence even before official reports were fully compiled.
In his videos, Vatsa explicitly pointed out that the air conditioning was non-functional throughout the journey. He also demonstrated that various in-cabin features, such as TV screens, cabin crew call buttons, and reading lights, were unresponsive. "We are almost about to taxi, but the AC is not working. So many people are using magazines… the TV screens are also not working. Neither is the button for calling the cabin crew," he can be heard saying in one of the videos, underscoring the widespread nature of the issues.
The same aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick with 242 people on board, reached an altitude of only 825 feet before plummeting into a residential neighborhood in Meghaninagar around 1:45 PM.
Air India has officially confirmed the incident and has pledged its full cooperation with all investigating authorities, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) has been established to assist affected families.
The devastating tragedy has drawn condolences from around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow, calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words." International leaders, including those from the UK, EU, and Maldives, have also extended their sympathies to the victims and their families.
