Ahmedabad Plane Crash: In a heartbreaking and catastrophic aviation disaster, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The accident claimed 241 lives, leaving only one survivor among the 242 on board. This is now being termed as India’s worst air tragedy in recent history.
The flight, which took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, crashed within minutes into a residential complex for doctors near BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, was headed for a long-haul journey to London when it failed to gain sufficient altitude and crashed, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
Mayday Call and Suspected Causes
Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials confirmed that the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress signal shortly after takeoff. According to initial reports, the aircraft descended rapidly from 825 feet, crashing into the residential zone within 32 seconds of being airborne.
Aviation experts suspect a double engine failure or a bird strike as potential causes. Eyewitness videos show the plane flying unusually low before bursting into flames upon impact.
Only One Survivor: A Miracle
Miraculously, one passenger from seat 11A, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash. He sustained chest and facial injuries and was able to walk away from the debris before being taken to the City Civil Hospital. His account described a sudden loud noise followed by the crash, highlighting the terrifying few moments that ended the lives of 241 others.
Victims Include Former CM Vijay Rupani
Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence on board added a tragic political dimension to the disaster. The Ahmedabad Plane Crash also claimed the lives of five medical students residing in the hostel struck by the aircraft, and injured several others.
PM Modi’s Visit and Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Ahmedabad Plane Crash site and later met with victims’ families at the hospital. Expressing grief, he stated, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad is heartbreaking beyond words. I assure the families that every possible support will be provided.”
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the formation of a high-level investigation committee, and is personally monitoring the rescue and relief efforts.
Emergency Response and Support
Over two dozen ambulances, fire trucks, and emergency teams were deployed immediately in response to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash. Traffic in the Meghaninagar area was diverted, and army medical corps joined hands with local authorities for coordinated relief efforts.
Air India has set up a 24/7 passenger helpline for information and assistance:
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India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
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International: +91 8062779200
The Tata Group, owners of Air India, issued a statement expressing sorrow and confirming that a special support team has been mobilized for victims’ families. Chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized the airline’s full cooperation in the investigation.
International Reactions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted, calling the crash “devastating” and assuring continued updates for the affected British families. London Gatwick Airport, where the flight was scheduled to land at 6:25 PM UK time, has offered assistance and condolences.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Investigation and Recovery
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours. Both tragically lost their lives in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash. The flight was a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and had recently passed safety checks, making the sudden failure even more concerning.
As part of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash investigation, black box recovery efforts are underway to retrieve the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. A special technical team from Air India, along with DGCA officials, is on-site collecting evidence to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the crash.
The government has launched a high-level inquiry committee to examine all possible causes, including mechanical failure, bird strike, human error, and potential lapses in ground communication. The results of this investigation are expected to play a crucial role in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Visuals from the site showed charred wreckage, scattered debris, and the haunting image of food left uneaten in the hostel’s dining room—an eerie reminder of life interrupted by the Ahmedabad Plane Crash.
