A tragic accident struck Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, today shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick.
Carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew—the aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area in Meghani Nagar, reportedly striking a hostel building associated with B.J. Medical College, according to Fox News.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran wrote on X.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad 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 by this devastating event.
At this moment, our…
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
The flight departed at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time and issued a Mayday call before losing contact at an altitude of around 625 feet.
The aircraft descended into the dining area of a medical college hostel, igniting a massive fireball and thick smoke visible across the city.
“The building on which it has crashed is a doctors’ hostel… we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,” a senior police officer told Reuters.
On board were 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, including 11 children and two infants a source told Reuters.
Authorities have recovered 30 to 35 bodies so far, with rescue efforts ongoing amid fears that the death toll may rise.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
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