Air India has confirmed that 241 of the 242 people on board flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London have died after the Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon. The only known survivor is a passenger seated in A11, identified as Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who was travelling with his brother.
The aircraft departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm IST and crashed within five minutes, plummeting into the BJ Medical College hostel mess, just 5 km from the runway. At the time of the crash, over 100 students were inside the building for lunch. A massive explosion followed the impact, sending a column of black smoke high into the sky.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion and plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash site in Ahmedabad. Emergency services, including at least seven fire engines and multiple ambulances, were immediately dispatched. Authorities sealed roads leading to the area to allow unhindered rescue operations.
The flight, AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people with 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it went down near the Meghani Nagar area.
According to an Air India statement, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals on board. Local residents reported structural damage to nearby homes and buildings due to the force of the plane crash.
Besides the people onboard the fatal flight, there were at least five on ground casualties as well. Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said that at least five MBBS students, one PG resident doctor, and the wife of a superspecialist doctor from BJ Medical College were also killed. Over 60 medical students were injured.
The Tata Group Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, issued a condolence message on X shortly after the incident.
Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Air India and DGCA officials have confirmed that the pilots issued a Mayday call moments after take-off but lost contact soon after.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the crash site and met the lone survivor in hospital, said rescue efforts were severely hampered by the explosion and the high volume of aviation fuel on board—reportedly around 1.25 lakh litres.
According to reports, this incident marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft, a long-haul plane known globally for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology and comfortable passenger experience.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday. At the site, he was briefed by emergency response teams, civil aviation officials, and local authorities involved in recovery and relief operations. He later visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where 25 people injured in the crash and its aftermath are receiving treatment in Ward C7.
The Prime Minister also met Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash, who remains under close medical observation. Ramesh, who was travelling to London with his brother, recounted the moments leading up to the impact. His survival has been described by doctors as nothing short of miraculous.
Amidst an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, US President Donald Trump also offered words of support. Trump called the Air India crash in Ahmedabad “one of the worst in aviation history” and offered full American support. “It was a terrible crash. I’ve told India—anything we can do, we’ll be there immediately,” he said at a White House event. Trump added that early footage showed the plane losing power, not exploding mid-air. “It’s horrific. It looks like most are gone,” he said. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg also expressed condolences and confirmed that a team is ready to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
A spokesperson from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad said the airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are suspended until further notice.
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information should call 1800 5691 444. A help desk and assistance area has also been set up outside Ahmedabad airport.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
