Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In one of the worst aviation disasters in recent years, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, killing over 220 people and injuring nearly 150 others.
The aircraft, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM IST, lost altitude minutes after takeoff and crashed into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. The crash led to a massive explosion and fire, engulfing several nearby buildings and vehicles in flames.
Death Toll Rises
According to the latest official data:
- 202 people onboard — including passengers and crew — have been confirmed dead.
- An additional 21 people on the ground were killed due to the impact.
- 148 others have been injured, many critically, and are being treated in hospitals across the city.
Search and rescue teams continue to pull bodies and survivors from the wreckage. Authorities warn that the toll may rise as efforts continue.
Distress Call and Black Boxes Recovered
Flight AI171 reportedly issued a MAYDAY call moments after takeoff before all communication was lost. Emergency responders have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder (black boxes), which will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash.
The plane was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior Air India pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged around 1,100 hours.
Nationalities and Victim Details
Air India confirmed the presence of:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese
- 1 Canadian
Efforts are being made to contact families and provide support through helplines and emergency assistance.
High-Level Emergency Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow and directed a full-scale emergency response. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah are personally overseeing rescue and investigation operations in Ahmedabad.
The airport has been shut down indefinitely as rescue operations continue and the runway area is cleared.
Global Significance
This incident marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009. Aviation experts and Boeing representatives have joined India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to conduct a thorough investigation.
A Boeing spokesperson said the company is “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and is “cooperating fully with investigative authorities.”
The DGCA is expected to release a preliminary report within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, international airlines and civil aviation authorities are closely monitoring developments, given the rarity of such an incident involving a 787 aircraft.
Ongoing Coverage
More updates will follow as rescue efforts continue and the cause of the crash is investigated. The Indian government has opened a 24/7 crisis hotline and family assistance centers in both Ahmedabad and London.
