AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — A devastating tragedy struck Ahmedabad this afternoon when Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Officials said initially everyone aboard died. But there are multiple news reports that at least one person survived. Thick plumes of black smoke rose from the wreckage site in Meghaninagar, casting a pall over the city.
“We heard a massive sound. When we went out to see, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. Dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over,” said a local eyewitness, describingthe horrific scene just outside their home.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST from Runway 23. Moments later, the pilot issued a mayday call and then stopped responding to air traffic control. Within seconds, the aircraft plummeted beyond the airport perimeter and crashed into a doctors’ hostel on a nearby medical college campus. Medical students and staff present at the site also suffered casualties. The final signal was logged at 08:08:51 UTC.
Firefighters, disaster response teams, and emergency services acted swiftly. Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, arrived from Gandhinagar, while additional teams reached from Vadodara. Wreckage littered nearby roads and buildings, with fragments of the aircraft embedded in walls and rooftops.
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the deceased.
Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.” He immediately contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Police Commissioner. Shah later announced his departure to Ahmedabad to personally oversee relief efforts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, based in New Delhi, received detailed briefings from Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Amit Shah. Modi instructed both ministers to reach Ahmedabad and ensure all assistance was provided. “All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed heartfelt condolences. “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.”
The Civil Aviation Ministry has established an Operational Control Room to facilitate updates and assistance.
All airport operations have been suspended. “We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,” said a spokesperson for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) launched a formal inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu left from Vijayawada and is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad shortly.
“This is a deeply distressing development. Praying for everyone’s safety and hoping that all those affected receive timely help and care,” said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The skies over Ahmedabad have turned somber. What was meant to be a routine international journey has now become one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent history.
