Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad, 242 Dead in Worst Aviation Disaster in Years

In a devastating turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just moments after take-off on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. The flight, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, went down barely minutes after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, leading to the loss of all 242 lives onboard, as confirmed by local police sources.

The aircraft, heavy with fuel for its long-haul international journey, took off around 1:47 PM, slightly later than its scheduled departure. Witnesses observed the plane flying unusually low and struggling to ascend before it plunged into the Meghani Nagar area. It crashed directly into a medical college’s doctors’ hostel, causing a fiery explosion that engulfed the building and spread debris across a wide area. Thick black smoke could be seen billowing across the city skyline.

The impact was catastrophic. The crash occurred at a mere 825 feet altitude, right after the pilot issued a mayday call. Sadly, no further communication came from the cockpit. The hostel’s dining area bore the brunt of the crash, and five medical students who were inside lost their lives on the spot. Several others were feared trapped or seriously injured as the structure partially collapsed.

Eyewitnesses described a deafening explosion, followed by chaos and panic. Videos taken by bystanders captured the horrifying final moments of the aircraft as it failed to climb and descended rapidly before impact. A massive fire erupted, complicating rescue efforts and endangering nearby structures, including a hotel.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in large numbers. The fire department, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and over two dozen ambulances responded swiftly. A special green corridor was created to quickly transport the injured to nearby hospitals. One survivor, a 40-year-old man named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital in Asarwa. His condition remains critical.

Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended indefinitely to allow rescue teams to operate unhindered and for investigators to begin examining the crash site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a full investigation into the crash. Boeing’s technical team is also being sent to assist in uncovering the cause behind the Dreamliner’s sudden failure—marking what is now the first fatal accident involving this modern aircraft type.

Air India expressed deep sorrow and confirmed the accident, pledging to support affected families and emergency response teams. The airline has set up emergency information centers and helplines to assist relatives of the passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heartbreaking beyond words,” offering condolences and promising full government support in the rescue and investigation efforts. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is personally overseeing the situation, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered all local authorities to prioritize rescue and relief work.

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation package of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger or crew member. Additionally, they have committed to covering all medical costs for the injured and supporting the reconstruction of the damaged doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College.

This crash is one of the most severe aviation disasters in Indian history in recent years. The loss of life is immense, and investigations are now underway to determine what led to this tragic failure during what should have been a routine departure.

As the nation mourns, the focus remains firmly on supporting survivors, grieving families, and ensuring that the full truth behind this tragedy is brought to light.