Air India 787 Crash Kills All 242 Onboard in Ahmedabad Tragedy
By M Muzamil Shami - June 12, 2025
Air India 787 Crash Kills All 242 Onboard in Ahmedabad Tragedy
Ahmedabad, India (June 12, 2025) – An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone onboard and several bystanders in the Meghani Nagar area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The mayday call came minutes into what should have been a routine flight to London Gatwick. First responders rushed to extinguish fires and pull bodies from the debris, while dignitaries worldwide expressed shock and sorrow.
Incident Snapshot
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Flight & Aircraft: AI 171, 11-year-old Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner
Passengers & Crew: 230 passengers and 12 crew, aboard at 1:38 PM IST
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Crash Site: Meghani Nagar, just outside airport perimeter—struck residential buildings
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Victims: No survivors; at least five local medical students died; over 100 bodies recovered
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Flight Origins & Destinations: Ahmedabad → London Gatwick; nationalities onboard: 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian
On-Ground Response & Operations
Firefighting & Rescue Mobilized
Seven firefighting units, NDRF teams, BSF units, and local volunteers swiftly reached the crash, extinguishing raging flames and conducting rescue operations in neighbourhood buildings
Airport Shutdown & Emergency Measures
All airport operations were immediately halted. Authorities set up a family assistance centre and dispatched medical teams to local hospitals for the injured and body recovery
Global Reaction & Expressions of Condolence
India’s Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words.” Home Minister Amit Shah and Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu are personally monitoring rescue and relief .
International Concern
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating.”
Foreign Minister David Lammy pledged support to British victims and liaising with authorities.
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King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and others extended their deepest condolences
Investigation & Aviation Fallout
Boeing 787 Safety Focus
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 since its 2011 launch. Boeing face increased scrutiny as aviation regulators deploy investigation teams in coordination with DGCA and AAIB
Inquiry Underway
The DGCA, with technical support from Boeing, is analyzing aircraft data, mayday recording, and wreckage to determine cause—suspected technical malfunction or engine failure. Ahmedabad airport reopened after initial suspension .
Why This Matters
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Civilian Casualties: A mass casualty event involving multiple nationalities, provoking widespread grief and global media attention.
Safety Urgency: Sparks immediate questions on Boeing’s 787 safety record.
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Policy & Emotional Response: Renewed debates on aviation policy, fleet maintenance, and compassionate responses to disaster-stricken families.
FAQs:
Q1: How many died in the crash?
A1: Tragically, all 242 onboard AI 171 perished, plus several residents from a nearby medical hostel.
Q2: What caused the crash?
A2: The cause remains under investigation. A mayday call from 625 ft suggests possible technical failure—DGCA and Boeing teams are analyzing flight data and wreckage.
Q3: Who were the victims?
A3: Nationalities included 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Hospital reports indicate more than 100 bodies recovered onsite.
Q4: Is this the first Boeing 787 crash?
A4: Yes—it is the first fatal hull-loss of a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner since its debut in 2011, marking a tragic aviation milestone
What do you believe will be the root cause—mechanical failure or human error? Comment below!
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