Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad, Killing At Least 290

Rahaman Hadisur
Jun 13
2 min read

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

A devastating tragedy unfolded in India’s western city of Ahmedabad as an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least 290 people and injuring dozens more. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171, plummeted into a residential area, striking a doctors’ hostel associated with BJ Medical College and Hospital.

The crash occurred moments after the plane took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:39 p.m. local time. Authorities confirmed that the plane issued a Mayday call but lost contact with Air Traffic Control less than a minute after departure, at an altitude of just 625 feet. The aircraft then descended rapidly and crashed into the building, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the sky.

According to Air India, there were 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. In a miraculous twist, only one passenger survived: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national assigned to seat 11A. Ramesh, speaking from a local hospital, recounted, “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”

Among the victims were numerous passengers, local residents, and medical students residing in the hostel. At least three medical students have died, with 50 to 60 others hospitalized several in critical condition according to the Federation of All India Medical Association.

First responders and rescue teams rushed to the crash site, battling flames and navigating the rubble in search of survivors. Images from the scene show charred trees, a fire-blackened building, and parts of the aircraft lodged into the structure.

Operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended but have since resumed on a limited scale.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating the crash had “stunned and saddened” the nation. “It is heartbreaking beyond words,” he said. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, assured that the airline is fully cooperating with emergency services and supporting those affected.

International leaders have also reacted. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating” and confirmed the British government is working closely with Indian authorities. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reported that crisis teams have been deployed in both Delhi and London. King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their shock and paid tribute to emergency responders.

This crash marks the first major incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Boeing stated it is in close contact with Air India and stands ready to assist. Over 1,175 Dreamliners are currently in service globally, completing over 2,100 flights daily.

As investigations continue, the death toll is expected to rise. Authorities are working tirelessly to identify victims, aid families, and determine the cause of the crash. A reception center has been set up at London’s Gatwick Airport, the flight’s intended destination, to support the families of those on board.