KKN Gurugram Desk | A massive tragedy struck India’s civil aviation sector when Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just moments after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, fell into the campus of a local medical college, causing destruction, death, and despair. The confirmed death toll now stands at 265, including ground casualties.
Flight Details
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Flight Number: AI-171
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Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
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Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
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Time of Takeoff: 1:39 PM IST
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Crash Location: Meghani Nagar, B.J. Medical College campus, Ahmedabad
How the Crash Unfolded
Within 35 seconds of takeoff, the aircraft began losing altitude, eyewitnesses reported. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital complex, devastating the student mess hall where several medical students were having lunch.
The impact was catastrophic, resulting in an explosion so intense that metal beams melted, and several bodies were charred beyond recognition, requiring DNA sampling for identification. Rescue teams described the site as a scene of horror — scattered wreckage, fire, smoke, and the haunting smell of burning fuel and human remains.
Casualties and Survivors
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Total onboard: 242 (230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, 2 pilots)
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Fatalities: 241 onboard + 24 on ground = 265 confirmed deaths
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Only one survivor: Vishwas Ramesh Kumar, a British-Indian national, is receiving treatment and said, “I thought I was going to die. Everything went black.”
🇮🇳 PM Modi Visits Crash Site
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Ahmedabad early Friday morning. He:
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Spent time at the crash site, observing the wreckage
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Met the only survivor and injured victims
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Held a high-level meeting with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Civil Aviation Minister, and emergency response teams
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Ordered a full-scale probe and promised immediate compensation to victims’ families
“The nation mourns this great loss. Our prayers are with every affected family,” PM Modi said.
Investigation and Black Box Recovery
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun formal investigation following ICAO protocols. Key developments:
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The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) has been recovered
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Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) is still being searched
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The DGCA and a Boeing technical team are also involved
Former Joint Secretary of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sanat Kaul, stated:
“Preliminary speculation includes engine failure or flap malfunction, but nothing is confirmed without black box analysis.”
International Condolences and Coordination
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar thanked world leaders including:
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UK’s David Lammy
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Portugal’s Paulo Rangel
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Canada’s Anita Anand
All expressed solidarity and offered support in the aftermath of the crash, given the international passengers on board:
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53 British
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7 Portuguese
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1 Canadian
Stories of Loss and Survival
Agra Couple Among the Dead
Neeraj and Aparna Lavania, both in their late 40s, were confirmed dead. Their family in Agra is en route to Ahmedabad.
Entire Family from Banswara Perishes
Dr. Pradeep Vyas, his wife, and their three children died. Their pre-takeoff selfie has now become a symbol of shattered dreams.
Bhagavad Gita Survives Unscathed
In a miraculous find, a copy of the Bhagavad Gita was recovered untouched from the wreckage, becoming a spiritual symbol amid the devastation.
Miracle Survivor
Bhumi Chauhan, a UK-based Indian, missed the flight by 10 minutes due to traffic.
“It’s divine intervention. I’m alive only because I was late.”
Eyewitness Accounts: “It Felt Like an Earthquake”
Residents of the nearby area described the horrifying moments:
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“We thought it was a missile strike or earthquake.”
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“I saw burning metal and people screaming.”
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“The pilot saved us by diverting from residential buildings.”
One local said the pilot’s final maneuver likely prevented an even greater death toll.
Ground Casualties and Medical Response
The crash killed several people inside the medical college buildings, including:
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Students in the mess hall
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Hospital staff and residents
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Civil hospital’s five-story building suffered structural damage
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is conducting DNA sampling to identify remains. NDRF teams with sniffer dogs are still combing the area.
Crew & Pilots: Remembering Their Service
The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal, an experienced aviator with over 8,200 flight hours. His co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kundar, had 1,100 hours of experience. Both perished in the crash.
Air India colleagues and aviation professionals paid tribute, calling them “dedicated professionals who gave their all till the end.”
Boeing’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
While Boeing 787 Dreamliner is generally seen as a safe aircraft, this incident is likely to:
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Renew scrutiny into Boeing’s safety protocols
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Raise concerns after past issues with Boeing 737 Max
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Lead to potential international inquiries and audits
A Boeing spokesperson stated:
“We are cooperating fully with Indian authorities and are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.”
Air India Support Centers Established
To assist affected families, Air India has opened assistance centers at:
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Ahmedabad
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Mumbai
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Delhi
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London Gatwick
Hotlines:
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India: 1800-5691-444
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International: +91-8062779200
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Regular updates are being posted on Air India’s X handle and website
The Ahmedabad Air India plane crash is one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s aviation history. With 265 lives lost and countless families grieving, the nation seeks answers, accountability, and action.
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