Early Thursday morning tragedy struck when a London-bound commercial aircraft carrying 242 passengers and 11 crew members crashed shortly after take-off from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. Authorities confirmed within minutes of takeoff there had been an accident prompting a massive emergency response response effort.
SkyRoute Airways operated aircraft was on its way from Bangkok to London Heathrow when it abruptly lost contact with air traffic control at 4:18 AM local time, shortly after witnesses near its outskirts reported seeing a fireball streak across the sky and hearing an explosive noise before coming down in a rural area near Bahadurgarh, approximately 30 kilometers from London Heathrow airport.
Initial reports indicate a technical malfunction may have contributed to the crash; however, officials have not discounted other possibilities such as bird strike or weather-related factors as contributing factors. Black box recovery operations have already begun and the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an exhaustive investigation.
Now, no official information has been released regarding the number of survivors; however, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local firefighters, and medical units have been deployed to the crash site to search for any possible survivors and secure the area as soon as possible. “Our thoughts go out to those aboard,” according to an NDRF spokesperson Rajat Sharma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued his condolences and pledged his full support for rescue and investigation efforts following the fatal plane crash in Delhi, with his prayers going out to all involved including their families and victims of this accident. A social media statement was issued from him outlining this support commitment:
SkyRoute Airways issued a brief statement confirming the loss of Flight SR-221, and stated it is cooperating with Indian aviation authorities fully. “Our primary focus at this time is the safety and wellbeing of those onboard and their families,” it stated, as well as providing details about a helpline created specifically to serve relatives.
At London Heathrow Airport, where the flight was due to land at 9:25 AM GMT, family members waiting at the arrivals terminal were moved into a separate private area for counseling and updates by airport staff.
Aviation analysts have pointed out that the aircraft involved is a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an excellent safety record, raising questions over the circumstances of this incident. Retired air safety expert Captain Arvind Malhotra noted: “Such an incident shortly after takeoff is both unusual and deeply concerning; investigations will likely center around mechanical integrity, pilot actions and any environmental considerations,” as stated during their investigation process.
As authorities search through the debris for evidence and remains, a nation watches in grief and anticipation. Flags at government buildings across the nation have been lowered to half-staff in honor of this day of mourning; updates may follow as officials release verified information from the crash site.
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