On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft collided with a residential area near BJ Medical College hostels, causing a massive fire and widespread destruction.
Casualties and Impact
- The confirmed death toll has reached over 270, including 241 passengers and crew members on board and at least 29 individuals on the ground.
- Among the 242 people aboard were mostly Indian nationals, along with British, Portuguese, and Canadian passengers, including 11 children.
- The severity of the crash left many victims badly burned or disfigured, complicating identification efforts. DNA testing is underway to help confirm identities.
- Remarkably, there was one survivor from the crash.
Rescue and Recovery Operations
- Emergency responders, including the National Security Guard (NSG), are actively involved in rescue and recovery efforts.
- Authorities have evacuated the affected hostels at BJ Medical College to facilitate ongoing investigations and recovery.
- Bodies are being identified through DNA analysis, with some already returned to families.
Investigation and Safety Measures
- The aircraft’s flight data recorder has been recovered and is currently under examination to determine the cause of the accident.
- A high-level committee led by the Union Home Secretary has been established to oversee the investigation and suggest safety improvements.
- Boeing’s technical experts are expected to assist in the probe, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a one-time safety inspection of all Air India Boeing 787 aircraft, resulting in some flight delays.
- Preliminary reports indicate the plane had recently undergone maintenance with no known issues.
- Investigators are exploring all possible causes, including technical faults and pilot actions, to establish what led to the crash.
Government Response
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation and has directed all necessary resources be allocated for rescue and investigation efforts.
- Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the crash to support emergency response activities.
Summary
The Air India crash near Ahmedabad stands as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s recent history, with over 270 lives lost. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on flight data analysis and fleet safety checks. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their efforts to assist victims’ families and work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
