265 Dead, Only One Survives in Devastating Air India Crash; PM Rushes to Site

Air India London-Bound Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad; 265 Dead, Only One Survivor.

In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, an Air India flight headed for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 265 people. The accident left only one survivor and sparked a massive fire in a densely populated area.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, ploughed into the hostel block of a medical college in the Meghaninagar area, minutes after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, exploded into a fireball upon impact, setting off a blaze that rescue workers said reached over 1,000°C due to the ignition of 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel.

The Crash: The aircraft lost altitude shortly after departure, as seen in footage captured by a bystander, before crashing into a residential medical hostel around lunchtime, when students were present. The crash caused heavy casualties on the ground.

The Victims: Of the 242 onboard, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The only survivor is 28-year-old Vishwaskumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, who is being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Rescue Efforts: A large-scale rescue operation was launched involving the Army, NDRF, CISF, and fire services. The high temperatures and extensive damage made recovery operations extremely challenging.

Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “stunning and saddening” and directed Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu to coordinate relief efforts. Modi is expected to visit the crash site and the hospital treating the injured.

Investigation Launched: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft had issued a Mayday call shortly before it disappeared from radar. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has initiated a formal inquiry under international protocols.

Global Condolences and Support: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the British Foreign Office is coordinating with Indian authorities. US President Donald Trump called the tragedy “horrific” and offered assistance, stating, “Anything we can do, we will do.”

First 787 Dreamliner Crash: This marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 since the aircraft model was introduced in 2011. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg extended condolences and announced that a technical team would assist Indian investigators.

Compensation and Aid: Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has announced ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family, complete medical care for the injured, and financial aid to help rebuild the damaged medical college facilities.

This catastrophic event has plunged the nation into mourning and sparked urgent discussions on aviation safety, emergency preparedness, and urban flight-path management.