AHMEDABAD, India, June 12 – In a heartbreaking tragedy that shook the nation, an Air India flight carrying 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, killing More than 200 people. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to Gatwick Airport in London when it went down in a densely populated residential area, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
Officials stated that the aircraft went down shortly after taking off from runway 23 at approximately 1:39 p.m. local time. The aircraft reportedly issued a distress signal—a “Mayday” call—moments after takeoff before losing communication entirely with air traffic control. Within seconds, the plane plunged into a building located near the airport, triggering a massive fire and thick plumes of smoke that enveloped the skyline.
Crash Site: A Residential Tragedy
Eyewitnesses and rescue teams confirmed that the aircraft collided with a structure that housed a doctors’ hostel connected to the state-run B.J. Medical College. The dining area of the hostel took the brunt of the impact, resulting in a significant number of casualties among medical students and residents. Television footage captured scenes of a portion of the aircraft lodged on top of the building, while flames engulfed much of the wreckage.
Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner confirmed that 204 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, and authorities have not found any survivors. According to officials, the victims include both passengers aboard the aircraft and residents of the building struck during the crash. State health authorities have requested DNA samples from relatives to assist in identifying the deceased. The aircraft crashed into a doctors’ residential hostel, and emergency crews have already cleared roughly 70% to 80% of the site, with efforts underway to complete the remaining search and recovery operations.
One survivor, a student at the medical hostel, recounted how he escaped death by leaping from the second floor. “I was having lunch when the entire building shook and then I saw fire. I jumped from the second floor. I have injuries, but I am alive,” he said, speaking from a hospital bed. His mother, who had rushed to the hospital, expressed her relief, saying, “My son is hurt but safe. God saved him today.”
The plane was carrying 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants, with passengers representing a diverse mix of nationalities. Air India confirmed that 169 of them were Indian citizens, 53 were British nationals, seven were from Portugal, and one passenger was Canadian.
Government Reaction and Ongoing Response
The crash has led to immediate national and international concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, originally from Gujarat, expressed heartfelt condolences over the incident, describing the Ahmedabad crash as a deeply distressing moment for the entire nation. It is heartbreaking beyond words,” he posted on social media. He directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure full support is extended to the rescue and relief operations underway.
Britain’s Foreign Office confirmed that it is in close contact with Indian authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide support to British citizens involved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the images emerging from the scene as “devastating,” and King Charles was also being kept receiving updated.
Flight services at Ahmedabad Airport have been halted indefinitely, with no timeline yet announced for their resumption. The facility, operated by Adani Group, is now being used as a coordination center for rescue and support efforts. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, shared his condolences on social media, saying, “Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We’re in active coordination with the authorities and providing complete assistance to the affected families at the site.”
This incident marks the first recorded crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011. The specific aircraft involved in Thursday’s tragedy had its maiden flight in 2013 and was handed over to Air India in January 2014, according to data from Flightradar24.
Air India, which had recently merged with Vistara under the ownership of the Tata Group, has activated an emergency support team to assist the families of those onboard. The airline assured that updates would be provided as information becomes available. “We are devastated by this tragic accident. The airline reported that those hurt are being transported to nearby hospitals, and efforts are underway to reach out to their families.
In 2020, a serious air tragedy struck when an Air India Express flight overshot the runway during landing in Kozhikode, leading to the loss of 21 lives. Thursday’s crash has renewed concerns about flight safety and aircraft maintenance, especially in densely populated regions where any crash can lead to mass casualties beyond just those on board.
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