Tragedy struck the skies of Gujarat on this Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff, killing 204 people on board and injuring dozens on the ground. In a rare moment of hope amid devastation, one British passenger survived the impact.
The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM local time, but crashed just 30 seconds later, ploughing into the doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College, triggering explosions and a fireball that lit up the sky.
A Scene of Devastation
Eyewitnesses described the horrific moment the jet descended rapidly, engine roaring and landing gear still deployed, before slamming into the building. “There was a deafening blast. Windows shattered across the street. We knew it was something catastrophic,” said Prakash Mehta, a local shop owner.
Rescue teams arrived swiftly, with over 130 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), army, and local emergency services battling flames and debris. The crash site was strewn with wreckage, body parts, and charred belongings.
So far, 204 bodies have been recovered, including medical students in the hostel and nearly all the 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Among the dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, authorities confirmed.
A Miracle in the Wreckage
Against all odds, one man survived. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, reportedly jumped clear of the aircraft moments before it burst into flames. He is now in stable condition at a local hospital. Officials say he may be the sole survivor.
The impact devastated the BJ Medical College doctors’ hostel, where at least five students were killed and over 60 injured. In total, 41 people on the ground suffered injuries, many with severe burns or crush wounds. Several remain in critical condition.
What Went Wrong?
Preliminary investigations indicate that the plane experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. A Mayday call was issued from the cockpit, and flight tracking data showed the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before nosediving.
Video footage from a previous flight aboard the same aircraft showed cabin flickering and malfunctioning systems. Investigators are examining whether known wing flap issues or landing gear faults may have played a role.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the probe, with assistance from Boeing, US aviation experts, and forensic specialists. Both black boxes have been recovered and are being analysed.
First Fatal Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
The aircraft, tail number VT-ANB, was delivered in 2012 and had a clean safety record. This incident marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction into commercial service.
Previous Snag Ignored?
Alarmingly, the same aircraft had suffered a technical malfunction just six months ago, in December 2024, while preparing for the same AI171 route. Passengers were delayed and engineers were called to inspect system faults before the flight resumed. Though the exact cause of that issue was never publicly detailed, aviation sources have confirmed that the aircraft was temporarily grounded.
International Response and Mourning
Condolences have poured in from around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site on Thursday evening. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and leaders from the EU and US expressed sorrow and support.
The Tata Group, owner of Air India, announced ₹1 crore in compensation for each victim’s family and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. Emergency hotlines have been established for families in both India and the UK.
Flights Suspended, Investigations Ongoing
Operations at Ahmedabad Airport remain suspended as investigators continue their work. Boeing shares dropped 7% following the crash, as scrutiny intensifies around the safety of the 787 fleet.
