Live Updates: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Into Residential Area – 242 Feared Dead
AHMEDABAD, INDIA — A tragic aviation disaster struck India on Thursday afternoon as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Air India and bound for London, crashed into a residential neighborhood in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. According to the airline, there were 242 individuals on board, including passengers and crew. Of these, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Officials from India’s Ministry of Health confirmed that “many people” had perished. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner told the Associated Press that “there appeared to be no survivors”, and authorities fear local residents in the crash area may also be among the victims.
Eyewitness images from the scene showed the burned wreckage scattered across the Meghani Nagar district, a densely inhabited area located near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to Flightradar24, signal was lost at 1:38 p.m. local time, when the aircraft had reached an altitude of 625 feet.
The aircraft crashed into a hostel associated with B.J. Medical College, reportedly housing medical students. Early reports suggest “multiple students were injured”, though official numbers are still pending.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes. On-site photographs revealed rescuers carrying bodies, firefighters battling flames, and heavy structural damage, including the aircraft’s tail section embedded in a building wall.
Both Air India and Gatwick Airport issued statements. Gatwick confirmed that “the aircraft was scheduled to land in London at 6:25 p.m.” and that a support center was being established for relatives. Meanwhile, Boeing, the jet’s manufacturer, stated: “We are working closely with Indian authorities to gather information.”
Global leaders quickly responded. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words” and added that “all necessary governmental resources are being mobilized.” The Canadian High Commission in India expressed condolences, acknowledging that “one Canadian citizen was aboard.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating,” adding, “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed its participation in the investigation, citing international protocol due to the jet being U.S.-manufactured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also offered technical assistance.
This crash has reignited concern about Air India’s safety track record. Notably, an Air India Express flight crashed in 2020, killing 17 people, and another in 2010, which claimed 158 lives. Several incidents in the 1980s and 1990s also involved its predecessor, Indian Airlines.
As of this report, no official fatality count has been released. The investigation remains ongoing, with support from multiple international aviation authorities.