Ahmedabad: In one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171, plunged into a densely populated residential area, striking a medical college hostel and sparking a massive blaze. Here are ten key developments from the incident:
1. Aircraft Crashes Moments After Takeoff
Flight AI171 took off at 1:38 PM with 242 people aboard, including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots. Mere seconds after becoming airborne, the plane lost altitude at around 825 feet and crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar, resulting in an inferno and thick smoke seen across the city. Eyewitnesses reported the flight’s catastrophic failure happened in "under 30 seconds."
Here's a visual of the plane crash:
2. Jet Hits Medical College Hostel
The aircraft struck a hostel attached to the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. The building, which housed medical students and staff, suffered severe damage. According to reports, at least five student died and over 50 were severely injured among those on the ground. Mess halls inside the hostel were left eerily untouched, with food plates still on tables.
A haunting visual of the scene surfaced on social media:
3. Passenger Manifest Includes Foreign Nationals, Ex-Gujarat CM
According to Air India’s official statement, the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a senior BJP leader, was among the deceased. He was reportedly travelling to London to visit his family. His death was confirmed by BJP state president CR Patil.
4. 241 Confirmed Dead, Lone Survivor Hospitalised
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner confirmed the recovery of 241 bodies from the wreckage, adding that all were sent for post-mortem examinations. Among the passengers, only one survived: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A. Ramesh has been hospitalised with injuries, and officials are now seeking his account to understand the final moments before the crash.
(Photo Courtesy: X/@ANI)
5. Amit Shah Arrives in Ahmedabad
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, to oversee rescue and relief efforts. Shah also visited the crash site and met the victims' families.
(Photo Courtesy: X/@ANI)
6. Government Forms High-Level Inquiry Panel
The central government has constituted a high-level panel to investigate the crash and evaluate existing aviation safety measures. Officials said the inquiry will examine technical, operational, and regulatory aspects surrounding the flight and its crash.
7. Boeing Shares Tumble After Incident
News of the crash triggered an 8% decline in Boeing’s global stock price. The crash involved the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the company’s most prominent aircraft models, reigniting concerns over its safety performance.
8. Boeing Issues Official Statement
Boeing released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in the Air India Flight AI171 accident,” the company said, assuring full cooperation with Indian authorities in the ongoing probe.
9. Tata Group Announces Rs 1 Crore Compensation
Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the families of each deceased passenger. The conglomerate also pledged all necessary support for the injured and bereaved families.
10. PM Modi Surveys Wreckage, Assures Support
On Friday, June 13, Prime Minister Modi visited the AI171 crash site and later met the injured survivors, including Ramesh, at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He assured full central support for the affected families and expressed his condolences.
