AHMEDABAD, INDIA – June 12, 2025
In what is now the deadliest air disaster in over a decade, more than 200 people were killed when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The flight, destined for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants. Authorities confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered, and reports suggest there were no survivors.
Crash Site: A Residential Tragedy
The aircraft came down in a densely populated residential area, crashing directly onto the doctors’ hostel of B.J. Medical College near the airport during lunch hour. Many of the fatalities may include medical students on site.
Witnesses described a horrific scene of flames, smoke, and debris scattered across the area. The tail section of the aircraft was visibly lodged atop the hostel building, while pieces of the fuselage lay among charred ruins.
What Happened?
Flight 171 took off at 1:39 p.m. local time and issued a Mayday distress signal seconds later. Tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated a sudden signal loss and no further response from the aircraft. Video footage captured the jet disappearing behind houses moments before a towering explosion.
Experts analyzing visuals noted a concerning detail — the aircraft’s landing gear appeared to remain extended at a time when it should have been retracted, raising questions about possible mechanical or software failure.
Victim Identification & Rescue
Due to the extent of the damage, authorities have begun requesting DNA samples from families for identification. Rescue workers, assisted by local police and military units, have cleared 70–80% of the crash zone.
“It’s a doctors’ hostel… we’re working urgently to clear the area,” said a senior police official.
Voices of Grief and Survival
Poonam Patel, a relative of a passenger, learned about the crash barely an hour after her sister-in-law boarded the plane.
A local mother, Ramila, told ANI that her son, a student at the medical college, jumped from a second-floor window to escape the impact and suffered injuries.
Aircraft & Airline History
The crashed plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had entered service in 2014 and was considered one of the most modern in Air India’s fleet. This marks the first fatal crash involving a Dreamliner since the model’s commercial debut in 2011.
Air India, recently privatized under the Tata Group, expressed its condolences and confirmed it is working with authorities to gather facts and support affected families.
Global Reaction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles expressed their sorrow, stating they are closely monitoring the situation.
The crash site is located in Modi’s home state of Gujarat, intensifying political and emotional responses.
Ahmedabad Airport, operated by Adani Group, has resumed limited operations after a brief closure.
Aviation Industry Response
Both Boeing and GE Aerospace (the engine manufacturer) have dispatched teams to investigate the crash and retrieve flight data. Boeing’s stock fell sharply in early trading following the news.
Final Thoughts
This catastrophic crash not only shakes India’s aviation sector but also reopens discussions about airline safety, fleet modernization, and emergency response readiness. It leaves families across the globe mourning, and a nation stunned.