by Babra Wani
SRINAGAR: In what is now being described as India’s worst aviation tragedy in nearly three decades, an Air India Dreamliner en route to London crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 241 people and injuring dozens more.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people on board, plunged into a densely populated residential area near the BJ Medical College just nine minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. The crash ignited massive fires, toppled buildings, and left behind a charred trail of destruction.
Among the victims was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence on the flight was confirmed by local authorities hours after the tragedy. The sole confirmed survivor so far is a male passenger in seat 11A, who remains in critical condition.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told The Hindu that 204 bodies had been recovered and at least 41 people, including passengers and local residents, were undergoing treatment in hospitals. He also confirmed that disaster response teams were continuing to comb through the debris, with the fate of 38 people still unconfirmed.
Air India confirmed the crash in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The injured are being taken to nearby hospitals. A dedicated hotline—1800 5691 444—has been activated for families.”
The impact was catastrophic. The aircraft crashed into the campus of BJ Medical College, reportedly striking the dining hall during lunchtime and killing at least five medical students. Verified footage circulating on social media showed the plane flying unusually low before bursting into flames, followed by thick columns of black smoke. Parts of the wreckage were strewn across roads and rooftops, with the aircraft’s tail lodged deep inside a college hostel building.
Tata Sons, which owns Air India, announced Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of each deceased passenger and crew member. Chairperson N Chandrasekaran also pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured and assist in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure at BJ Medical College.
The flight manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Officials said the identification of victims may take time and requested families to assist by providing DNA samples.
The aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANB, was delivered to Air India in 2014. Though the Boeing 787 is widely regarded as a highly reliable wide-body jet, recent years have seen growing scrutiny over its manufacturing quality. Experts have noted that this marks the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner, casting fresh doubt on the aircraft’s safety record.
Authorities have launched a full investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and Boeing are expected to conduct a joint inquiry. While initial reports indicate clear weather at the time of takeoff, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
The tragedy has drawn reactions from leaders across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed the sentiment, stating he was “pained beyond words” and was in touch with Gujarat officials.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and leaders from Portugal and Canada have also expressed condolences. Starmer confirmed that a special helpline was being set up for British nationals affected by the crash.
The airport has been closed until further notice. Rescue and recovery efforts are expected to continue overnight.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his grief over the air crash, calling it a “shocking and deeply saddening” tragedy. In a post on X, the Chief Minister conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and extended prayers for the lone survivor as well as the students injured at the BJ Medical College hostel.
Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Prayers for the lone survivor and the injured students at BJ Medical College hostel.
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) June 12, 2025
“Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Prayers for the lone survivor and the injured students at BJ Medical College hostel,” Abdullah wrote.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also extended his condolences following the Ahmedabad air tragedy. In a post on X, he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. Praying for strength and patience of the bereaved, and a swift recovery for the injured.”
Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. Praying for strength and patience of the bereaved, and a swift recovery for the injured. #Ahmedabad #PlaneCrash
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) June 12, 2025
As the nation mourns, the crash stands as a grim reminder of the fragility of air safety and the shared vulnerability that binds people across borders. The incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in India since the 1996 mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri and has left a profound scar on families and communities from Ahmedabad to London.
