BREAKING: Tragic Crash of London-Bound Air India Flight AI171 Shortly After Take-Off in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025
A devastating tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, when it went down in a densely populated residential area.

🔥 Crash Site & Immediate Impact

Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion as the aircraft plummeted into the Meghani Nagar area, colliding with a doctors’ hostel and several nearby structures. Emergency response teams rushed to the site, where flames and heavy black smoke engulfed the crash zone. The impact and ensuing fire caused severe destruction to buildings and vehicles in the vicinity.

💔 Casualties

Onboard fatalities: Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors from the flight. All 242 occupants, including citizens from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada—are feared dead.

Ground fatalities: Initial reports indicate over 100 bodies have been recovered, with at least five confirmed deaths and more than 50 injuries among residents on the ground.

🛫 Flight Details

Flight Number: AI171

Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Tail Number VT-ANB)

Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW)

Departure Time: Approx. 13:38 IST

Incident Timing: The crash occurred minutes after take-off, with the aircraft reaching only about 625 feet before descending rapidly.

The aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress call moments before losing contact with air traffic control. Flight data showed no signs of prior technical distress before departure.

👨‍✈️ Crew & Pilots

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, was in command.

First Officer Clive Kundar, with over 1,100 hours of experience, was assisting.
Both pilots were considered competent and well-trained, and their final communications indicated a catastrophic emergency in progress.

🕵️ Investigation & Response

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a full-scale investigation.

International cooperation has been initiated, with Boeing and GE Aerospace dispatching teams to assist.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound grief, calling the incident “a national tragedy.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also offered condolences and pledged support to the families of British nationals on board.

📺 Live Footage & Media

A live video showing the crash and aftermath, including emergency responses and building collapses, has circulated widely on social media and global news outlets. Watch the footage here.

⚰️ National Mourning Declared

The Indian government has declared a day of national mourning in honor of the victims. Flags will fly at half-mast, and memorial services are being planned across the country.

🧭 What Comes Next

Search and recovery operations continue at the crash site. Identification of victims is underway, with DNA testing being employed due to the severity of the fire. Air India has activated emergency hotlines and support centers for families of the victims.

This crash is now considered the deadliest aviation disaster in India in recent decades, and the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction.

For live updates and ongoing coverage, visit:
The Guardian Live Updates
People.com Crash Report
Pilot Profiles and Crew Background