Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : An SUV driver in Ahmedabad had a terrifyingly close brush with death after a portion of an Air India Express aircraft's wing, which had collided with a pole during takeoff, rained down as debris and shattered his vehicle's windshield.
The driver was on the public road adjacent to the perimeter of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when he heard a "blast" he had never experienced before. Initially suspecting a bomb or a massive tire explosion, he was horrified to see the low-flying Boeing 737 aircraft just feet away from him.
The incident involved Air India Express flight IX-172, bound for Kuwait with 174 passengers and six crew members on board. During its takeoff roll, the plane's wing struck an electric pole and a portion of the airport's boundary wall. The impact sent a large piece of the wing, estimated to be around 10x4 feet, flying onto the road.
Recounting the terrifying moment, the driver, who was left in shock and trauma, said he immediately called the police, believing it might have been a terrorist attack.
In a bizarre and concerning turn of events, the aircraft continued its flight, seemingly unaware of the significant damage it had sustained. The flight crew proceeded with the journey to Kuwait, where the plane and all on board eventually landed safely.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a high-level investigation into the serious incident. Authorities are examining why the takeoff was continued despite the collision and the clear risks involved. The event highlights major safety concerns, not just for the driver who had a miraculous escape on the ground, but also for the passengers who unknowingly flew for hours in a damaged aircraft.
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