By Qalam Times News Network
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, June 12, 2025
In what is now being called the worst aviation disaster in India’s history—and the deadliest crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner globally—a London-bound Air India aircraft crashed minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Thursday, leaving a trail of unimaginable destruction and grief.
The ill-fated aircraft, operating as Flight AI171 to London’s Gatwick Airport, departed Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM local time. According to early reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a “MAYDAY” distress signal to Air Traffic Control shortly after becoming airborne from Runway 23. Moments later, communication with the cockpit ceased, and the aircraft plunged into a densely populated section adjacent to the airport perimeter—specifically, the residential hostel of a prominent medical college.
Authorities have confirmed that the total death toll has surpassed 290, which includes passengers aboard the aircraft and individuals on the ground. Rescue officials fear the count may rise as several critically injured victims remain hospitalized. Among the casualties are at least three medical students whose hostel was directly hit by the falling jet. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat chapter confirmed their deaths, while adding that 45 other students and staff members were undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the city.
The aircraft, a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members at the time of the crash. The passenger manifest released by Air India lists 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. In a shocking revelation, it has also been reported that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those on board, although there has been no official word yet on his status.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
The scene of the crash, located barely two kilometers from the airport, resembled a war zone. The impact ignited a massive blaze, engulfing the aircraft and surrounding structures in flames. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by a cloud of black smoke rising from the crash site. Several buildings suffered partial collapse, and dozens of vehicles in the vicinity were destroyed.
Local residents, many of whom were first responders, attempted to rescue victims trapped in the debris until professional help arrived. Teams from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Coast Guard were swiftly mobilized and are still on-site, coordinating rescue and recovery operations. A temporary command center has been established near the crash zone, with drones and sniffer dogs deployed to detect any remaining survivors.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has been closed to all commercial flights, and authorities have advised travelers to avoid the area entirely. The DGCA and Air India officials have begun a full-scale investigation in cooperation with international aviation authorities and Boeing representatives. The aircraft’s black box and cockpit voice recorder have been located and are being sent for analysis.
Response from the Government and Tata Group
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In an official statement, he said, “The catastrophe in Ahmedabad has shaken the soul of the nation. It is a heartbreaking loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I have directed all central and state agencies to provide every possible assistance on an urgent basis.”
The Prime Minister has reportedly spoken directly with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, instructing them to prioritize relief, medical care, and timely compensation.
Meanwhile, the Tata Group, which owns and operates Air India, announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately USD 120,000) for the family of every deceased passenger. In a statement, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said, “We are deeply anguished by this unspeakable tragedy. We stand in complete solidarity with the affected families and are committed to providing all necessary support, including financial aid and logistical assistance.”
Aircraft and Safety Questions
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient widebody jets in commercial aviation. It was the first fatal crash involving this model, raising urgent concerns over technical, mechanical, or pilot-related failures. Aviation analysts note that the aircraft had no prior incident record and underwent regular maintenance.
While it is too early to determine the precise cause of the accident, officials confirmed that the flight crew did not respond to any further communications following the initial distress call. Experts speculate that the problem may have involved engine failure, loss of thrust, or a critical systems malfunction during the take-off roll or initial climb.
The DGCA has initiated a formal accident inquiry under the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with participation from Boeing engineers and officials from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as per international protocols.
Nation in Mourning
As the nation reels from the shock, vigils are being held across Gujarat and other parts of India. Flags at government buildings have been ordered to fly at half-mast, and a one-day state mourning has been declared in Gujarat. Schools and colleges in Ahmedabad will remain closed tomorrow in memory of the victims.
This catastrophe has left hundreds of families devastated, and the psychological impact on survivors, rescue workers, and the affected communities will be felt for years to come.
As search operations continue into the night, India—and indeed the world—awaits answers to how such a modern aircraft could fall from the sky in a matter of minutes, turning a routine international journey into a national tragedy.
—Filed by Qalam Times News Network, Ahmedabad Bureau
