The Crashed Air India Flight AI171 Was Carrying 242 People, Including Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London Gatwick. The flight, carrying 242 people (230 passengers and 12 crew members), issued a MAYDAY call moments after departing at 1:39 PM IST, indicating an emergency. It crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, near the airport, specifically into a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College, within five minutes of takeoff at an altitude of about 825 feet.
Key information:
Time and location of the accident: The plane issued a Mayday (emergency) call before falling from a height of 825 feet, but lost contact with air traffic control. Black smoke and flames were seen coming from the crash site.
Deaths and injuries: Reports indicate a high likelihood of no survivors, with at least 204 bodies retrieved so far. India’s Civil Aviation Minister reported 105 confirmed casualties, and ground casualties were also noted due to the crash site being a populated area.
At least five medical students at BJ Medical College were confirmed dead, with 50 to 60 students injured, some critically.
Passenger Breakdown: The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Notable passengers included former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Pramukh Nanda, founder of Cargo Motors Group, along with his family.
Crew: The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder as co-pilot. Cabin crew included Shradha Dhavan, Aparna Mahadik, and others. Their fate remains unknown.
Rescue operations: Emergency services, such as fire brigade, ambulance, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, immediately reached the spot.
The Gujarat government has created a “green corridor” for rescue and treatment.
Investigation: A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has left for Ahmedabad to investigate. The black box and flight data will be examined. Initial reports suggest a technical fault in the engine.
Government response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as “heartbreaking” and directed Union ministers Amit Shah and Ram Mohan Naidu to visit the site. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel supervised the relief operations.
Reactions: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed grief and pledged support. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Janhvi Kapoor shared condolences. The UK government offered assistance for affected British citizens.
More details:
● Flights at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended, but operations resumed later.
● Air India has set up a helpline number (1800 5691 444) for the families of the victims.
● Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is believed to have been on the plane.
International response: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed their condolences. Buckingham Palace said King Charles III was being briefed on the situation.
An official investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the exact number of victims and the exact cause of the crash are yet to be confirmed.