By In a devastating incident that has plunged India into mourning, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, killing at least 204 people.
The flight, AI-171, was carrying 242 occupants including 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it lost radar and transponder contact moments after takeoff at approximately 1:38 PM local time. Witnesses near the crash site, located in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, reported hearing a massive explosion, followed by black smoke billowing across the city skyline.
Emergency responders raced to the scene, where they discovered the aircraft had slammed into a hostel housing medical students at B.J. Medical College. Authorities confirmed the deaths of at least five students and said more than 50 others were injured, some critically. Over seven fire engines, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indian Air Force units are currently on site carrying out recovery efforts.
‘A Dark Day in Our History’ – National Reactions
The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, described the incident as “one of the darkest days in India’s aviation history.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This tragedy is heartbreaking beyond words. We mourn the lives lost and stand with the bereaved families.”
The Prime Minister has ordered a full-scale investigation, with black box recovery underway. Aviation experts are examining preliminary evidence, including claims that the aircraft failed to retract its landing gear and flaps before losing altitude.
Survivors & International Reactions
Though initial reports declared all passengers dead, recent updates suggest up to two survivors have been rescued and hospitalized in critical condition.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom and officials from Canada and Portugal — home countries of several passengers on board — have extended condolences. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also confirmed that 53 British nationals were among those aboard the flight.
Boeing 787’s First Fatal Crash
This incident marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered service in 2009, raising serious questions about operational safety and mechanical reliability. Air India has grounded its 787 fleet pending the outcome of investigations.
What’s Next?
Indian aviation authorities (DGCA) have launched a formal inquiry, with support expected from Boeing and international crash experts. President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit the site tomorrow, while the national flag has been ordered at half-mast across Indian government buildings.
Helplines have been opened for the families of victims, and counseling services are being offered to survivors and affected residents.
