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Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Death Toll: The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghaninagar. It was heading to London’s Gatwick Airport.
The Air India flight, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad international airport around 2 pm. (Photo: News18)
Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Death Toll: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, marking one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in India’s history. The flight, AI171, was en route to London’s Gatwick and had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board.
The aircraft crashed into a doctors’ hostel attached to a nearby medical college, killing several students on the ground. Haunting visuals from the site showed the mangled wreckage piercing through the dining hall, with shattered walls and uneaten plates of food- a chilling testament to the suddenness of the tragedy.
Eyewitness video footage captured the jet flying abnormally low, struggling to gain altitude before it plunged to the ground and exploded into a massive fireball at 1:38 PM. The aircraft was reportedly fully loaded with fuel for the long-haul international journey, amplifying the intensity of the blast. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen from as far away as Vastrapur, causing panic in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, medical personnel, and security forces, rushed to the scene within minutes. An emergency centre has been activated, and support teams are assisting relatives of passengers. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline is providing every possible support and has launched a full investigation in coordination with aviation authorities.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed aviation and disaster response agencies to act in swift coordination. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Calling it one of the most tragic and horrifying incidents in recent memory, he said, “I am totally shaken by the incident that has happened today near Ahmedabad Airport. It was very tragic and horrific. Till now, I am in a state of shock,” he said. The minister assured that the government would conduct a fair and thorough investigation, adding firmly, “We are not going to spare anyone.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours of flight experience) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours), issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff. Communication was lost soon after, and the cause of the crash is now under investigation by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
What PM Modi Said On Ahmedabad Plane Crash?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash of Air India Flight AI171 “heartbreaking beyond words,” expressing deep grief over the lives lost both onboard and on the ground. In a statement after the incident, he said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” The Prime Minister added that he is in constant touch with civil aviation authorities and emergency teams and assured full support to the victims’ families.
World Leaders Express Condolences
World leaders expressed condolences and solidarity with India as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “devastating”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron both extended heartfelt sympathies, with Macron saying, “We learn with emotion of the tragic accident… Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones and Prime Minister Modi.” Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed “deepest condolences over the tragic consequences” and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar joined in expressing shock and mourning, extending prayers for the victims and support to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people.
Leaders from across Asia also voiced their sorrow. Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said their governments stood in full solidarity with India during this difficult hour.
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