International news agency Reuters reports that Boeing's stock market has plummeted following a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
By Thursday (June 12) night, the share price of the US aircraft manufacturer fell by almost 5% in the stock market. This has newly questioned Boeing's safety image.
Reuters' report states that Boeing was preparing for the upcoming Paris Air Show and had achieved its production targets for May, in addition to receiving several new orders. In this context, the accident in India has come as a significant blow to them.
In a statement, Boeing announced that they have received initial information regarding the accident and are working closely with relevant authorities in a detailed investigation.
Experts say the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known as one of the most modern long-range passenger aircraft, with a commendable safety record. However, this accident has severely damaged its long-standing reputation. Previously, in 2013, flights were temporarily suspended due to some battery-related issues, but no fatalities occurred.
Earlier in the afternoon, nearly 300 people died in the horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, one of the worst in recent memory. Of the 242 occupants on board the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner model aircraft, 241 were killed. The plane crashed into a hostel at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, where at least 50 more people lost their lives.
Among the deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The total death toll could still rise as rescue workers continue to recover bodies from the burned wreckage of the plane. Several injured students are still receiving treatment in the ICU.
