At Least 30 Dead As Air India Flight Crashes Into Ahmedabad Hostel After Take-Off

Flight AI 171 bound for London crashes minutes after departure; rescue operations underway amid national shock

📍 Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 (3:45 PM IST) – In one of the worst aviation disasters in recent Indian history, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed within minutes of take-off from Ahmedabad Airport, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more.

The plane, carrying 242 individuals (232 passengers and 10 crew), crashed into the doctors’ hostel of B.J. Medical College, just a few kilometres from the airport, leading to devastation in the residential area and inside the hostel.

Crash Details: Mayday Call, Immediate Impact, Explosive Fireball

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed at 1:39 PM IST and shortly after, issued a “Mayday” call, indicating a grave emergency. Moments later, communication was lost.

• Last altitude recorded: 825 feet
• Crash time: 1:42 PM IST
• Crash location: Doctors’ hostel, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
• First flight (of this aircraft): 2013
• Delivered to Air India: January 2014

Eyewitness footage shows the aircraft struggling to climb, flying alarmingly low over buildings before crashing and exploding in a massive fireball. Smoke and flames engulfed the residential block.

Confirmed Casualties and Rescue Status

• 30–35 bodies have been recovered as per the latest rescue reports
• Many medical students present in the dining hall during the crash are feared dead
• Multiple people are trapped, with ongoing efforts to retrieve survivors
• Victims include 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants
• Nationalities on board: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian

Ambulances, fire brigades, and NDRF teams have reached the site. Patients are being rushed to Civil Hospital and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences.

“My son jumped from the second floor and survived with injuries. He was in the dining hall,” said Ramila, a mother of a medical student.

🗨️ Official Reactions: Government, Air India, International Support

• PM Narendra Modi expressed his shock, calling the incident “heartbreaking beyond words,” and instructed the aviation ministry to prioritize rescue and support.
• Amit Shah is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee emergency operations.
• UK PM Keir Starmer and King Charles have been briefed, expressing condolences and pledging support.
• Gautam Adani, whose group operates the airport, called the tragedy “unimaginable” and promised full support to victims’ families.

“We are working closely with all authorities and extending support to those affected,” Adani said on X.

Air India, now under Tata Group, confirmed that an emergency family assistance center has been activated.

📉 Boeing’s First 787 Dreamliner Crash

This incident marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since it began commercial service in 2011, according to Aviation Safety Network. Boeing shares dropped 6.8% in pre-market trade, and the company has issued a statement, saying it is “working to gather more information.”

📺 Human Stories Emerging from the Rubble

• Poonam Patel, whose sister-in-law was aboard: “Within an hour of her takeoff, we got the news of the crash. We are devastated.”
• Survivor from the hostel: “I saw flames and jumped out of the second floor to escape. I don’t know where my roommates are.”

🚫 Flight Operations Suspended at Ahmedabad Airport

The Adani-run Ahmedabad Airport has suspended all operations until further notice. Emergency protocols are active, and flight redirection is being coordinated with nearby airports including Mumbai and Udaipur.