India Mourns: Air India Flight AI171 Crash Kills 242 People
In one of India’s worst aviation tragedies, Air India Flight AI171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff on the morning of June 12, 2025. The crash claimed all 242 lives onboard.
What Happened
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Gyanendra Singh Malik confirmed that no one survived the crash. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
The plane plunged into a doctors’ hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, setting off an enormous fireball. Thick black smoke engulfed the area as the fuselage tore into the residential building.
Videos show the plane flying low over homes before erupting in flames. Photos captured the aircraft’s tail and landing gear lodged in the building, while rescue workers searched the rubble.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Emergency teams, including firefighters, police, and NDRF squads, raced to the crash site. They recovered over 100 bodies and transported them to local hospitals. Doctors carried out autopsies on-site to speed up identification.
Investigators secured parts of the wreckage for analysis. Indian authorities coordinated with the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which dispatched a special team to Ahmedabad. The US-based Boeing Company also offered support, sending technical advisors to assist.
“We’re working with Air India and local authorities,” said a Boeing spokesperson. “Our thoughts go out to the families and the crew.”
Global Leaders Express Grief
Condolences poured in from around the world:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “heartbreaking beyond words.”
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King Charles said he felt “deeply shocked” and praised first responders.
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Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and their families.
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Ireland’s PM Micheál Martin called it a “horrific tragedy that touched many nations.”
Tata Sons Steps In With Support
Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, pledged ₹1 crore (about £86,000) to the family of each victim. Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran also promised to cover medical expenses for the injured and rebuild the doctors’ hostel.
“No words can describe the sorrow,” Chandrasekaran said. “We stand with every grieving family and community.”
First Crash Involving Boeing 787 Dreamliner
This tragedy marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Aviation experts raised questions about the aircraft’s performance and safety systems.
The Indian government formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the cause. Officials will examine pilot communication, technical systems, weather conditions, and air traffic control records.
Help for Families and Citizens
Governments moved swiftly to support affected families. The UK Foreign Office activated an emergency helpline, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs set up a support desk at the crash site.
Important Contact Numbers:
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UK FCDO Helpline: +44 20 7008 5000
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India MEA Helpline: 1800-11-1234
Conclusion
India stands in shock after this heartbreaking disaster. As rescue teams work tirelessly and investigators search for answers, the nation grieves with the families who lost loved ones.