Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 7 Shocking Realities & Grim Aftermath
Ahmedabad plane crash has emerged as one of India’s most devastating air disasters, striking the nation’s conscience and igniting global concern. On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed a few minutes after takeoff. This detailed report explores the incident’s chronology, impact, investigations, and broader implications.
1. The Fateful Takeoff
At 13:38 IST, Flight AI171 lifted from runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Just around 50 seconds later, at approximately 625 ft altitude, the aircraft suddenly dropped and crashed into a residential locality in Meghani Nagar, on the outskirts of the airport wsj.com+6indiatvnews.com+6marathi.indiatimes.com+6en.wikipedia.orgpwonlyias.com+13en.wikipedia.org+13firstpost.com+13nypost.com+4hindi.oneindia.com+4navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+4. Eyewitnesses described hearing a “massive fireball” and seeing thick columns of black smoke rising above the skyline
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
2. Casualties and Survivors
Preliminary counts report 242 souls on board—230 passengers and 12 crew members including pilots Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar en.wikipedia.org+1thesun.ie+1. As of now, officials have recovered at least 204 bodies, with an estimated ground fatality count of five, bringing total confirmed deaths to over 200 people.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3wsj.com+3. Tragically, this includes a mix of civilians in the impacted buildings, notably a doctor’s residence and the BJ Medical College hostel firstpost.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2theguardian.com+2. Miraculously, two survivors have been reported: one local British-Indian man and another whose identity remains undisclosed theguardian.com+1newindianexpress.com+1.
- Passenger Manifest & Nationalities
The flight carried a diverse group: 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian passenger. Among them was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence onboard has intensified public concern people.com+15theguardian.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15.
- Emergency Response
Local police commissioner G.S. Malik indicated “no survivors” aboard the crash site, emphasizing the high probability of victim presence among ground residents indiatvnews.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5people.com+5. Over five firefighting units and multiple medical teams were dispatched immediately following the crash thesun.ie. Ahmedabad’s airport operations were suspended; Air India and governmental agencies activated emergency protocols, including hotlines and crisis centers nypost.com.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
- Official Reaction & Global Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words.” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated,” personally overseeing rescue and investigation efforts thesun.ie+1nypost.com+1. British PM Keir Starmer, UK King Charles III, Pope Leo XIV, and other international leaders extended condolences theguardian.com.
- Aircraft History & Investigation Status
This incident marks the first hull-loss crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2009 ndtv.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15nypost.com+15. The AAIB and DGCA have launched an ongoing investigation, with early data showing a “Mayday” call and abrupt loss of radar contact at low altitude theguardian.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatvnews.com+2. Weather conditions were clear and stable, indicating no obvious meteorological contributors . Authorities will review black boxes, maintenance logs, and the pilots’ communications thoroughly.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
- Wider Implications & Aftermath
The Ahmedabad plane crash has reignited debates on India’s aviation safety standards. Analysts are drawing comparisons to the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, the deadliest in Indian aviation history en.wikipedia.org. With all Boeing 787 operations worldwide on heightened scrutiny, pressure is mounting on Boeing, Air India, and Indian civil aviation authorities to implement swift corrective measures.
Rescue & Victim Support
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran announced immediate support for victims’ families, while the Tata Group pledged ₹1 crore per family of the declared deceased and additional support for the injured nypost.com+2theguardian.com+2people.com+2. Relief camps, counseling units, and legal assistance centers are being set up in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
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Ahmedabad Plane Crash – FAQs
1. What happened in the Ahmedabad plane crash?
The Ahmedabad plane crash involved Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The incident occurred on June 12, 2025, in the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad.
2. What is the cause of the crash?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Preliminary reports suggest a technical failure following a Mayday call issued by the pilots.
3. How many people died in the crash?
As per official updates, over 70 people have been confirmed dead. More casualties are being verified as rescue operations continue.
4. Were there any survivors?
Yes. According to BJ Medical College officials, 6 passengers have survived and are under critical care. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot, is also reportedly alive and being treated.
5. Was Vijay Rupani on board the plane?
No. Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was not on the flight. Rumors of his death are false and have been officially denied by his family and party.
6. What is a Mayday call in aviation?
A Mayday call is an emergency procedure used by pilots to signal a life-threatening situation such as engine failure, fire, or structural issues. It is derived from the French word “m’aidez” meaning “help me.”
7. What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for long-haul international flights. It is one of Air India’s flagship models.
8. Who owns Air India?
Air India is owned by Tata Sons, who took over the airline from the Indian government in 2022. Campbell Wilson is the current CEO.
9. Is Air India’s safety record good?
While Air India operates internationally with a trained fleet and crew, the airline has had a few major incidents in its history, including the Mangalore crash (2010) and this recent Ahmedabad crash.
10. How is the investigation being handled?
The crash is being investigated by:
DGCA (India’s aviation regulator)
Air India’s internal safety board
NDRF (for search & rescue)
Boeing representatives and international safety experts
11. What is the role of the black box in this investigation?
The black box (Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder) will help investigators determine what went wrong. It records flight data, pilot communications, and system anomalies before the crash.
12. What happened to the Air India share price after the crash?
Following the crash, Air India’s share-related sentiment took a hit. While Tata Sons is privately holding Air India, related aviation stocks like Boeing and SpiceJet also saw market fluctuations.
13. Where did the crash occur exactly?
The plane crashed in a residential zone near Meghani Nagar, causing damage to structures and injuries on the ground.
14. What’s the current status of the AI171 flight route?
The Ahmedabad to London Gatwick route has been temporarily suspended. Other Air India international flights are running normally, under heightened security and inspection.
15. Who are the key authorities giving updates?
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
Air India officials
Local government including CM Bhupendra Patel
DGCA
BJ Medical College & Civil Hospital authorities