In one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent Indian history, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed moments after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 people on board. The lone survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving treatment at a city hospital.
The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had taken off from Ahmedabad International Airport at 1:38 PM IST, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft plummeted shortly after takeoff, crashing into the boys’ hostel of BJ Medical College, turning a routine afternoon into a scene of devastation.
According to an official statement from Air India: “Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. Of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.”
“Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
But the devastation extended far beyond those aboard the aircraft. The crash site, located within the BJ Medical College campus, saw at least five MBBS students, one postgraduate resident doctor, and the wife of a senior doctor perish instantly. More than 60 medical students sustained injuries, many of them critical, as the plane slammed into the building during lunchtime, when hostel occupancy was at its peak.
According to Divyansh Singh, Vice President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA): “As of now, at least five medical students, one PG resident doctor, and the wife of a super-specialist doctor from the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad have been killed. Over 60 medical students have been injured.”
“The plane lost balance mid-air and crashed directly into the boys' hostel. As it was lunchtime, most of the students and resident doctors were inside.”
Eyewitnesses and first responders described horrific scenes as the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leaving several bodies charred beyond recognition. Rescue operations are still underway, with fears that more individuals may be trapped under the debris.
Air India has dispatched a team of caregivers and support personnel to Ahmedabad and has activated emergency helplines for families:
India: 1800 5691 444
International: +91 8062779200
