Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash: All You Need to Know So Far.
Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashes shortly after takeoff, with 242 onboard. Emergency response underway. Here’s everything we know.
In a tragic aviation accident, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff this afternoon. The flight was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, totaling 242 people on board.
Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash
🕑 Timeline and Crash Details
- The flight departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM local time.
- It reportedly crashed between 1 PM and 2 PM, after struggling to gain altitude.
- The aircraft reached around 625 feet before losing altitude rapidly.
- Distress signal was sent moments after takeoff, but no further communication occurred.
📍 Impact and Casualties
- The plane crashed into a doctors’ hostel attached to a local medical college.
- Five students were killed, and several others were injured.
- One passenger seated at 11A miraculously survived, seen walking out of the wreckage.
- Debris was found in the hostel’s dining area, with food still on tables.
- A huge fireball was seen as the plane hit the ground.
- Visuals show grey smoke plumes, and video confirms the aircraft flying unusually low.
🛫 Passenger Breakdown
According to Air India’s official statement:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
🚨 Emergency Response
- Fire brigade and medical teams rushed to the site.
- Over two dozen ambulances deployed.
- Indian Army medical corps joined local rescue forces.
- Access routes cordoned off, traffic diverted for emergency access.
- An emergency hotline (1800 5691 444) has been set up for family members.
🗣️ Official Reactions
🇮🇳 PM Narendra Modi:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu:
“Shocked and devastated… all agencies are on highest alert. Rescue and medical teams have been mobilised.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
“The scenes emerging… are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families.”
London Gatwick Airport:
“We confirm that Flight AI171 was due to land at Gatwick at 18:25.”
🏢 Air India and Tata Group Statement
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our deepest condolences are with all those affected.
We are fully supporting emergency teams and families on the ground.”
Gautam Adani:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened. Our hearts go out to the families. We are extending full support on the ground.”
⚠️ Status
- The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
- Air India has activated an emergency centre and a family support team.
- Authorities continue rescue and relief operations at the site.
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