On June 12, 2025, a catastrophic incident shook Gujarat. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM in the Meghaninagar area. Thick black smoke and flames engulfed the crash site. The plane carried 242 people: 230 passengers and 12 crew members. At least 204 bodies have been recovered, with one confirmed survivor. This is a developing story with ongoing rescue efforts.
What Happened?
Flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM. It reached 625 feet before its signal was lost, per Flightradar24. The aircraft issued a “MAYDAY” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) but gave no further response. It crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar, hitting a hostel at B.J. Medical College. The plane, heavily fueled for the long-haul flight, caused a massive fire. Debris scattered across the site, with the tail lodged in a building. The crash is the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. The cause remains under investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Passenger and Crew Details
The flight carried 242 people: 230 passengers (217 adults, 11 children, 2 infants) and 12 crew members. Passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The crew included Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flying hours) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours). Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers and was confirmed dead by Union Minister C.R. Patil. Two women from Manipur, including 22-year-old Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, were likely among the cabin crew. A 40-year-old British-Indian, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is the sole confirmed survivor. Ramesh, seated in 11A, jumped from an emergency window and sustained bruising but was conscious.
Casualties and Ground Impact
At least 204 bodies have been recovered, including passengers and ground victims, per police reports. The plane crashed into the dining area of B.J. Medical College’s hostel, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50. Up to 75 bodies were recovered from the hostel alone. Many victims were severely burnt, making identification difficult. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is collecting DNA samples from relatives to identify remains. The exact casualty count is still unconfirmed, with 38 people unaccounted for.
Immediate Response
Emergency services responded rapidly. Seven fire engines, over two dozen ambulances, and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services Department extinguished the blaze. The Indian Army and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) assisted in clearing debris and treating the injured. A green corridor ensured swift transport to hospitals like Civil Hospital. All roads to the crash site were sealed, and traffic was diverted. Rescue operations continue as teams search for survivors.
Government’s Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words” on X. He coordinated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who are overseeing operations in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered rescue efforts on a “war footing.” An Operational Control Room was activated in Delhi (011-24610843, 9650391859) and Ahmedabad (9978405304, 079-23251900). The Ministry of External Affairs termed it a “tragic accident” and extended condolences. Indian Railways deployed Vande Bharat trains for stranded passengers.
Eyewitness Accounts
Locals reported hearing explosions and seeing thick smoke. “It was like a bomb went off,” said a Meghaninagar resident. Videos on X showed black smoke rising, visible from Vastrapur and Dharpur. A CCTV clip captured the plane descending low before crashing. Eyewitnesses saw the aircraft’s nose pointed upward, an unusual position, before it hit the ground. The crash site remains cordoned off.
Impact on Ahmedabad Airport
All operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were suspended initially but have partially resumed with limited flights. Passengers are urged to check with airlines for updates. The closure disrupted travel, and the airport remains on high alert.
Air India’s Response
Air India confirmed the incident on X: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today, 12 June 2025.” They reported 242 people on board and set up a hotline (1800 5691 444; international: +91 8062779200). Air India is organizing relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai for families, departing June 12 at 11:00 PM. A special caregiver team is supporting ground efforts. CEO Campbell Wilson pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Investigation Underway
The AAIB, with support from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is investigating. A technical team is analyzing the black box, flight data, and debris. The plane’s landing gear was not retracted, and flaps appeared retracted, per visuals. U.S. experts noted the plane seemed “not properly configured” for takeoff. The heavy fuel load is a focus due to the fire’s intensity. This is Air India’s first major hull loss since 1985. Results may take months.
Public and Political Reaction
The crash sparked grief on X. Shah Rukh Khan posted, “Absolutely heartbroken… my prayers for the victims.” Rishi Sunak expressed solidarity, noting UK-India ties. UK PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III offered condolences. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others mourned the loss. Gatwick Airport set up a reception center for families. Boeing’s stock fell