Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad; 241 Dead, One Survivor
In one of India’s worst aviation disasters.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
The aircraft, operating as Flight AI171 and bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members. Officials have confirmed that only one person—seated in seat 11A—survived the crash.
Crash Impact and Ground Casualties
The plane crashed into a doctors’ hostel near a medical college, resulting in the deaths of five students on the ground. Shocking visuals from the site showed the aircraft’s debris tearing through the hostel’s dining hall—plates of food were still untouched at the tables.
Footage captured moments before the crash showed the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before nosediving and exploding into a fireball at approximately 1:38 PM. The jet was heavily fueled for its long-haul journey to London, intensifying the blaze.
Emergency Response and Eyewitness Reports
Emergency services were quick to respond, with at least 24 ambulances dispatched and multiple victims rushed to hospitals. Charred wreckage and thick smoke engulfed the site as rescue operations continued into the evening. Traffic around the crash zone has been diverted.
Nationalities on Board
The flight included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
Pilot’s Final Transmission
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the aircraft made a mayday call shortly after takeoff. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. No further communication was received after the distress call.
Official Response
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is monitoring the situation closely and has instructed all aviation and emergency agencies to coordinate efforts.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Air India has established a helpline for families and relatives of passengers: 1800 5691 444
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. International aviation bodies, including the UK AAIB, are expected to join the inquiry.
Comments are closed.