Tragic Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Over 200 Lives
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – India is in shock after Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing more than 200 people and causing devastation on the ground.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers, two pilots, and ten cabin crew—departed at 1:38 p.m. local time. Nationalities on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. The plane issued a Mayday call moments after takeoff before losing contact with air traffic control. It then crashed into the residential quarters of intern doctors at BJ Medical College in the Meghani area, erupting in a massive fire fueled by its heavy load for the long-haul flight.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation, with thick black smoke rising above the city and debris scattered across the crash site. Many residents in the hostel and surrounding area were killed or injured, with emergency responders rushing to rescue survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet confirmed the total number of casualties, but police and rescue teams report no known survivors from the aircraft and significant loss of life on the ground.
Family members of the victims, including crew member Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, were seen grieving as news of the tragedy broke. Leaders from around the world, including European and Ukrainian officials, have sent condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the families affected by the disaster.
Air India has activated a dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) for families and dispatched a special team to Ahmedabad to provide support. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a technical team from Boeing are expected to begin a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep sorrow and assured that all necessary support would be provided to the victims and their families. The nation mourns as rescue and recovery efforts continue at the crash site.