AHMEDABAD: In one of India’s worst aviation disasters, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing everyone on board. The aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport in London when it plunged into a residential area near the airport. Authorities confirmed that the plane crashed into the doctors’ hostel of BJ Medical College, sparking chaos and destruction.
Crash Occurred Minutes After Takeoff
The flight took off from Ahmedabad’s runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time. Within moments, air traffic control received a “Mayday” call, indicating an emergency. Tragically, the aircraft went silent shortly after. Flightradar24, an aviation tracking site, said it received the last signal from the plane just seconds after departure.
Television visuals showed the aircraft rising above a residential area before vanishing from view. Moments later, flames erupted in the skyline. Thick black smoke engulfed the area as debris from the wreckage burned intensely. Emergency crews rushed to the site, recovering charred bodies and rescuing injured victims from surrounding buildings.
“The building on which it has crashed is a doctors’ hostel… we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,” a senior police officer told reporters.
Victims Include Children and Medical Students
Air India confirmed that the 242 passengers included 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants. Among the dead were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The crash also claimed the lives of several medical students who were present in the hostel dining area when the plane hit the building.
“My son was having lunch in the hostel when the crash happened. He jumped from the second floor and got injured, but he’s alive,” said Ramila, a mother of a student from the medical college.
Rescue teams have recovered at least 35 bodies so far. Visuals showed bodies being carried from the wreckage, while ambulances ferried the injured to nearby hospitals.
Air India posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.”
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World Reacts to the Tragedy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed his sorrow online: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.” He has ordered the aviation ministry to fully support rescue and investigation efforts.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash “devastating” and said he is receiving regular updates. King Charles has also been briefed on the situation, according to Buckingham Palace.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group which operates the Ahmedabad airport, said the group is “shocked and deeply saddened” and is working closely with authorities to assist the victims’ families.
Britain’s Foreign Office also confirmed it was working with Indian authorities to establish facts and assist the families of British nationals on board.
Boeing Faces Fresh Scrutiny
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — one of the most advanced passenger jets in service. This is the first reported crash of a Dreamliner since the model began commercial flights in 2011. The plane was delivered to Air India in 2014 and had flown for over a decade.
Boeing confirmed it is investigating the crash and is coordinating with Indian authorities. Following the incident, Boeing shares dropped 6.8% in pre-market trading.
This tragedy marks Air India’s deadliest crash in decades. The last fatal crash occurred in 2020 when an Air India Express plane overshot a runway in Kozhikode, killing 21 people.
In response to this latest incident, Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, activated an emergency response center and deployed a support team to assist grieving families. All flight operations from Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended indefinitely.
