On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck in Ahmedabad when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London Gatwick. The aircraft carried 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew—and came down in the Meghani Nagar suburb, crashing into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital. thedailybeast.com
Crash Sequence & Immediate Aftermath
- CCTV footage shows the plane airborne for only 32 seconds, with the entire incident—from roll to crash—lasting 59 seconds. The aircraft climbed briefly, then lost altitude and exploded near the terminal thedailybeast.com
- A “mayday” distress call was reportedly made before all contact was lost businessinsider.com
Casualties & Ground Impact
- 241 of the 242 onboard perished. Additionally, 28+ people on the ground—including medical students and staff—were killed, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 269, with many more injured. en.wikipedia.org
- One man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40‑year‑old British national seated in 11A, survived and was hospitalized in stable condition. He later said, “I don’t know how I am alive.” thedailybeast.com
- The crash struck a medical college cafeteria and hostel during peak lunchtime, causing widespread destruction and loss of life businessinsider.com
Rescue & Response Efforts
- Ahmedabad’s NDRF, CISF, local police, Army, and multiple emergency agencies responded swiftly, containing fires and tending to victims. Roads were closed and a military hospital put on standby en.wikipedia.org.
- DNA testing is underway to identify remains amid the extent of the devastation reddit.com.
Investigative Developments
- India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full probe, and U.S. and U.K. authorities—namely the NTSB and AAIB (UK)—are assisting. Boeing has pledged full cooperation thedailybeast.com
- Investigators are focusing on potential mechanical failure, issues with landing gear or flaps, and anomalies during takeoff. The aircraft had reached just 625 ft before descending rapidly wsj.com.
Wider Significance
- This marks the first fatal hull-loss of a Boeing 787 since its 2011 debut, raising serious questions about Dreamliner safety businessinsider.com
- The crash is India’s deadliest air disaster, surpassing the former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and others killed on the ground theguardian.com
- Boeing shares plummeted in pre-market trading following news of the crash .
Leadership & Official Statements
- Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and pledged full support. Britain’s King Charles III, PM Starmer, and international leaders offered their sympathies theguardian.com
- Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized accuracy and accountability in communications and confirmed support for victims’ families businessinsider.com
- Boeing President Kelly Ortberg confirmed cooperation and support for the investigation thedailybeast.com
Outlook & Next Steps
The search for answers is underway. Recovery of both black boxes has been reported, which may reveal critical flight-data and cockpit-voice insights. Analysts are also probing whether procedural errors during climb-out may have contributed.
As families mourn and a nation demands accountability, this horrific disaster underscores the fragility of modern air travel—even aboard advanced aircraft like the Dreamliner. Soon, we hope to gain clarity on the cause behind those tragic 32 seconds.
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