A regular transcontinental flight turned into a nightmare on Wednesday as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, exploding into a crowded neighbourhood. It’s the deadliest plane crash in India in decades — and the first-ever fatal incident involving the Dreamliner globally.
What Happened
At 1:38 p.m. IST, AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London. But within a minute, the aircraft lost altitude and slammed into the Meghani Nagar area — right beside the B.J. Medical College hostel. The impact caused an instant explosion, igniting buildings and trapping dozens in rubble.
Initial data shows the aircraft climbed to just 625 feet before losing control. Eyewitness videos show the jet struggling in midair before disappearing behind buildings, followed by a towering fireball.
The Toll
Authorities have recovered 204 bodies so far, with more than 290 feared dead — including all 238 onboard and over 50 people on the ground. Five medical students were killed in the hostel, and dozens more were injured.
Shockingly, one passenger survived. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, walked out with minor injuries. “Everything went dark and quiet,” he told rescuers. “I didn’t think I’d live.”
Instant Response
Fire brigades, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) responded within minutes. Army units were also deployed. Emergency teams battled flames and smoke to reach victims buried in debris.
Air India dispatched its crisis team to the site, and CEO Campbell Wilson pledged full transparency. “We’re devastated,” he said. “Every effort is being made to assist families and find answers.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “a national tragedy,” promising full state support and financial compensation for victims.
Global Reactions
The plane carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “deeply shaken,” while King Charles II issued a personal message of condolence. Canada and Portugal also confirmed the loss of their citizens.
The UK Foreign Office is assisting families, and consular teams have been dispatched to India.
What Could Have Gone Wrong?
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, assisted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing.
Investigators are focused on flight control issues — early theories point to a possible flap retraction error or engine performance problem. Black boxes (CVR and FDR) have been recovered and sent for analysis.
A key clue: the landing gear was still extended at the time of crash, suggesting improper climb configuration or critical system failure. But officials stress it’s too early to draw conclusions.
Boeing released a brief statement expressing sympathy and confirming this is the first hull-loss for the 787 Dreamliner, which entered service in 2011.
The Numbers
- Passengers onboard: 238
- Confirmed dead: 204 (as of press time)
- Injured: 50+
- Survivors: 1
- Aircraft model: Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB)
- Flight route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
- Crash location: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
A Record-Breaking Tragedy
This marks India’s deadliest aviation accident since the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision. It also ends the Boeing 787’s clean safety record.
The disaster sent shockwaves across financial markets. Boeing’s stock dipped nearly 5%, while Air India and its parent company Tata Group are under intense scrutiny.
The Tata Group announced a ₹1 crore compensation package for each victim’s family and pledged to cover all medical and funeral costs.
What Happens Next
Investigators will now analyse data from the flight recorders, crew logs, ATC audio, and maintenance history. Recovery operations are still underway, with search teams combing through the remains of the aircraft and buildings for further clues.
The coming weeks are expected to bring answers — but for now, a nation grieves. The wreckage in Ahmedabad is a chilling reminder of how quickly normal can turn into catastrophe.
