Ahmedabad, India — June 12, 2025: A devastating plane crash in India has left the nation in mourning after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI‑171) bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash occurred around 1:45 PM IST in the Meghani Nagar area, killing at least 204 people and injuring several others.
Flight AI‑171: Tragedy in the Skies
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, declared an emergency within minutes of takeoff. According to Air Traffic Control sources, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call before the aircraft disappeared from radar. Witnesses on the ground described a loud explosion and a fireball as the aircraft collided with a flooded residential complex near B.J. Medical College hostel.
Among the victims were five medical students residing in the building that took the brunt of the impact. The crash is now confirmed as India’s deadliest air disaster in over a decade.
One Miraculous Survivor
Authorities confirmed that one British passenger, seated in 11A, was rescued alive from the wreckage and is currently receiving intensive care. Their condition remains critical but stable.
Victims by Nationality
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British citizens
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7 Portuguese
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1 Canadian
Emergency Response & Investigation
Emergency response teams—including police, fire services, CISF, and army units—swiftly mobilized to the crash site. Rescue operations were complicated by narrow lanes and floodwaters in the area. Drone surveillance and sniffer dogs are being deployed to locate possible survivors under debris.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in collaboration with the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, has launched a full-scale investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also coordinating with Air India to retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
Technical Focus: Boeing 787 Under Scrutiny
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the first of its kind to be involved in a fatal accident since the model was introduced in 2011. Aviation analysts will closely examine mechanical, human, and environmental factors to determine the cause of the crash.
Public & Global Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the nation. Our prayers are with the victims’ families.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III also issued public statements, expressing condolences for the British lives lost.
Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, announced an ex gratia of ₹1 crore (approx. $118,000) for the next of kin of each deceased passenger. They also pledged full support for the injured and grieving families.
Community Support and Spiritual Aid
Local organizations, including ISKCON India, have mobilized volunteers for food relief, counseling, and spiritual guidance. Blood donation drives and grief counseling centers are being set up near major hospitals in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion: A National Mourning
This plane crash in India marks a dark chapter in the country’s aviation history. As investigators work to uncover the root causes, the nation unites in grief and remembrance of the lives lost. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and wait for official findings.
