A major aviation tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad this afternoon as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick), crashed just minutes after take-off, killing and injuring dozens.
The flight, carrying 242 individuals including 232 passengers and 10 crew members, took off from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:30 pm and crashed shortly thereafter into a doctor’s hostel at BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, just outside the airport perimeter.
“The aircraft was involved in an incident shortly after takeoff,” Air India confirmed in a statement.
“We are working with authorities to gather more information.”
Mayday Call Sent Before Crash
According to aviation officials, the pilot sent a ‘Mayday’ distress call seconds before the aircraft lost all communication with the Air Traffic Control (ATC). Within moments, thick grey smoke was seen rising from the crash site, visible from kilometres away.
Emergency Response
At least two dozen ambulances rushed to the scene and began transporting the injured to Civil Hospital, Asarwa. Officials reported chaotic scenes, with relatives of passengers and residents of the affected hostel crowding hospital corridors in search of information. The police have diverted traffic to ensure smooth rescue operations.
“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift action,” said Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
Updates So Far:
- Flight AI-171 crashed five minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport.
- Crashed into BJ Medical College hostel; casualties among medical students confirmed.
- Pilot sent a mayday call, but ATC received no further communication.
- 242 people were onboard (232 passengers + 10 crew).
- Emergency services on-site; many injured rushed to nearby hospitals.
- Civil Aviation Ministry and Home Ministry overseeing operations.
Visuals and Eyewitness Reports
Videos on social media show thick smoke plumes, damaged buildings, and burning wreckage. Eyewitnesses from the medical college report fires in residential quarters and injuries among student doctors.