A catastrophic air disaster unfolded on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital just moments after takeoff, killing an estimated 265 people.
The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM IST. Within minutes, the aircraft issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call before vanishing from radar and crashing into a densely populated medical campus in Meghaninagar.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai, 265 bodies have been brought to the city civil hospital. Several are charred beyond recognition, and DNA testing is underway at Kasoti Bhavan of BJ Medical College to confirm identities.
Casualties and Survivors
Most on board are feared dead, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed BJP leader C.R. Patil. However, one miraculous survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, is said to have escaped with injuries.
The crash also claimed lives on the ground. Four MBBS students living in the medical college hostel were killed, while 19 others were injured — five of them critically. A doctor’s wife died, and several relatives of staff remain missing.
Passenger Nationality Breakdown:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian
- 12 crew (2 pilots and 10 cabin crew)
Possible Causes and Investigation
Aviation experts say the aircraft, carrying a full load of fuel for its international journey, climbed only 600–800 feet before rapidly descending. Early theories include simultaneous engine failure or a bird strike. Visuals showed the landing gear still extended during descent.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft issued a Mayday call shortly after departure from Runway 23, but no further communication followed. The black box (FDR and CVR) is being retrieved to aid the investigation.
Widespread Destruction
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane exploded into flames mid-air and struck multi-storey residential buildings. Several structures, cars, and trees caught fire. One image showed the aircraft’s nose embedded in the top floor of a hostel dining area.
Official Reactions and Relief Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, saying, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.”
Air India Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran and CEO Campbell Wilson offered condolences and said emergency response teams and helplines have been activated. Boeing has also stated it is coordinating with the airline and stands ready to assist.
Emergency Measures:
- A passenger helpline (1800 5691 444) has been set up.
- Airport operations at Ahmedabad were temporarily suspended.
- Local hospitals are on high alert and DNA sample collection is ongoing.
This is the worst aviation disaster in India since the 2020 Kozhikode crash and marks the first crash globally involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
