Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad, 242 Feared Dead in Tragic Accident

Ahmedabad plane crash: On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787, Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed minutes after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The flight was en route to London Gatwick. Aircraft tracking revealed it reached roughly 625 ft before issuing a “Mayday” distress call and losing contact.

Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured a dramatic scene – the aircraft, still with its landing gear down, banked at a low altitude before plunging into a residential neighborhood in Meghani Nagar, near a doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College. A burst of fire and dense black smoke ensued, and debris scattered across the building’s rooftop and surrounding area.

Dreamliner Crash Claims Hundreds

Emergency services responded immediately by early afternoon, more than 100 charred bodies had been brought to a local government hospital, with rescue teams continuing operations amid chaotic scenes. Local authorities have so far recovered about 204–242 bodies, with ground fatalities and survivors not yet confirmed. Reports also indicate student casualties from the hostel, where many medical students were present at the time.

The flight included 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger, along with 12 crew members. Tragically, there appear to be no survivors from the 230 passengers and 12 crew aboard.

This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner since its service introduction in 2011—a stark contrast to its previously impeccable safety record.

Deadliest Crash, Global Concern

India’s Prime Minister Modi, UK Prime Minister Starmer, British Foreign Minister Lammy, and King Charles have expressed deep condolences, while Air India, Boeing, and GE Aerospace have initiated investigations. The DGCA and India’s technical teams are also examining flight and cockpit data, focusing on unusual signs like the gear remaining down during climb.

Airport operations were briefly suspended but have since resumed with limited flights. Rescue, recovery, and investigative efforts are ongoing in what is now recognized as one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The Dreamliner’s first fatal incident has put global aviation safety protocols under scrutiny.