by Temitope Oladeji
13/6/2025
An Air India passenger jet bound for London crashed into a densely populated neighborhood of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning, killing 241 out of 242 people on board.
The incident is what is now considered one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies in decades. Officials confirmed that only one person on board survived.
The aircraft, identified as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1:38 p.m. local time and went down five minutes after taking off, crashing into a residential area called Meghani Nagar near the airport.
The crash site was engulfed in thick black smoke as firefighters battled the burning wreckage, which had reportedly collided with the dining area of a medical college hostel.
The confirmed death toll includes passengers and residents, with many of the bodies burned beyond recognition.
Some victims were medical students staying in the hostel who were struck by the aircraft, according to Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police official in the city.
“There is significant destruction, and sadly, most of the bodies are charred,” Chaudhary said.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik added that some individuals in nearby offices and homes were likely among the casualties.
“Exact figures are still being confirmed,” he told the Associated Press.
One passenger survived the crash. Identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, he was hospitalized with multiple injuries.
“He was disoriented but appeared out of danger,” said Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat state, called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words,” adding, “In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement expressing grief: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.”
The Indian Army is assisting in rescue and recovery efforts, helping to clear debris and treat the injured.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that emergency medical and relief services were being deployed at full capacity.
Air India stated that Flight 171 was carrying 242 people, including crew members. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
However, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, reported that 244 people were aboard, with the discrepancy still under investigation.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was fully fueled for the long-haul journey to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed.
Notably, this marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, a full investigation has been launched by Indian aviation authorities.
The black box flight data recorder has reportedly been recovered and will be critical to understanding what led to the tragedy.
Officials have not ruled out technical failure or other factors, and updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.