Police officials confirmed that Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 (Dreamliner), crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after departing for London. The boeing crashed into medical college hostel situated in Meghani Nagar at 1:38 p.m. Read the full story in the article below.
No Survivors: Cataclysmic Impact and Ground Casualties
Police Commissioner G. S. Malik, speaking to the press, confirmed, “It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash.” He warned that because the aircraft hit a residential and office area, locals may also have perished. Early rescue footage revealed scorched wreckage with black smoke ascending into the sky, as firefighters and emergency crews responded, recovering over 100 bodies, including those trapped beneath rubble.
Passenger Details and Nationalities
Air India and official sources reported 242 onboard, though initial figures fluctuated slightly. The manifest included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese passengers
- 1 Canadian traveler
The tragic toll includes medical students caught in the crash at the hostel, with eyewitnesses already confirming at least five fatalities there and many more injured or missing.
First Ever Boeing 787 Fatality
This event marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its 2011 debut. Aviation experts note the aircraft had only reached about 625 ft altitude before losing contact. A final builder-issued “Mayday” call was reportedly transmitted by the flight crew moments before the crash. Boeing has acknowledged the incident and is “working to gather more information” supporting the investigation.
Immediate Emergency Response
First responders from Ahmedabad’s Fire and Emergency Services, multiple ambulance units, and disaster-response teams rapidly deployed to the site. More than seven fire engines were involved and roads around the crash zone closed to facilitate rescue operations. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran stated that emergency assistance, family support cells, and ongoing updates for the affected have been established via X (formerly Twitter).
Leaders Express Condolences & Aid Offered
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words” and pledged government support for victims. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer similarly expressed being “deeply saddened,” emphasizing that many British nationals had been.
UK Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell assured full consular assistance would be provided to families in both the UK and India. The UK High Commission and Foreign Office have activated crisis teams in response.
Broader Impact: Boeing Under Pressure
Financial markets reacted swiftly: Boeing shares fell nearly 9% in pre-market trading following the crash. The incident marks another challenge for Boeing, still recovering from prior 737 MAX disasters.
What Happens Next?
- Aircraft recovery: Teams are working to retrieve the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
- Forensic analysis: DGCA will collaborate with international aviation agencies to investigate technical or mechanical issues.
- Support efforts: Air India’s emergency center and government bodies are focusing on victim identification, family notifications, and mental health support.
In Summary
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, represents one of the gravest tragedies in recent aviation history—particularly as the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With all 242 souls aboard killed and further ground casualties likely, the incident has prompted an immediate global response. Official investigations and emergency measures continue as families await answers and closure.
