At Least 265 Dead in Air India 787 Crash Near Ahmedabad

      Rescuers with sniffer dogs comb the site where an Air India Boeing 787 crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, killing at least 265 people.

At Least 265 Dead in Air India 787 Crash Near Ahmedabad

​​By M Muzamil Shami - June 13, 2025

At Least 265 Dead in Air India 787 Crash Near Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 – A devastating Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least 265 people—including ≥24 on the ground—when it plunged into a residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Rescue teams with sniffer dogs are urgently scouring the wreckage for remains as India’s worst air disaster in a decade unfolds.

Incident Overview

1. Flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick at 1:39 PM IST with 242 onboard (230 passengers, 12 crew)

2. The aircraft crashed into a hostel and canteen near B.J. Medical College almost immediately after issuing a Mayday call from ~100 m altitude

3. So far, 265 bodies have been recovered, indicating at least 24 ground casualties, though final numbers await DNA confirmation

Rescue & On-Ground Response

Emergency Search and Rescue

NDRF, BSF, police, and sniffer dogs are methodically combing debris that engulfed a student hostel. The tail section lodged in the second floor, while the cockpit crushed a canteen where lunch was underway .

DNA Collection and Awaiting Identification

Families have flocked to the hospital, submitting DNA samples to aid identification. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed final casualties would be released only after DNA confirmation

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All 242 Dead in Air India Boeing 787 Crash Near Ahmedabad

Leadership’s Response

Political Reaction

1. PM Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words.”

2. Home Minister Shah pledged comprehensive support and expedited testing

International Condolences

1. UK PM Keir Starmer described scenes as “devastating,” expressing concern for British nationals onboard

2. Boeing, along with the UK and US accident investigation agencies, are joining teams on the ground

Investigation & Technical Details

Black Box & Boeing 787 Inquiry

Officials announced recovery of the black box; formal investigations by India’s AAIB, UK’s AAIB, US NTSB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace are underway. This marks the first fatal Dreamliner crash since its 2011 debut.

Possible Engine Failure

Experts say a dual-engine failure—possibly from a bird strike—is a likely cause. Early data show no sign of runway excess weight or fuel load issues

Why This Matters

1. Human Toll: At least 265 lives, including civilians and medical staff, were lost.

2. Aircraft Safety: As the first Dreamliner crash, it raises red flags about Boeing’s flagship model 

3. Urban Safety: The crash occurred in a densely populated area, highlighting airport city planning concerns.

FAQs:

Q1: How many died in the crash?
A1: At least 265 people died—including 241 on the plane and ≥24 on the ground. Updates pending DNA tests

Q2: Who survived the crash?
A2: One British-Indian passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived and is hospitalized

Q3: What likely caused the crash?
A3: Investigators suspect dual-engine failure, potentially from a bird strike, as the leading hypothesis

Q4: What’s Boeing’s response?
A4: Boeing confirmed it is aiding the investigation and prepared to provide technical support

What do you think—was this a freak bird-strike accident or deeper systemic failure? Comment below!
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