Ahmedabad :
In a devastating aviation tragedy, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM.
Officials confirmed that only one passenger — seated in 11A — survived the crash and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) at 12:41 AM Friday, Air India confirmed the fatality count.
“Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident shortly after take-off. Of the 242 people on board, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin,” the airline said.
The victims include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Aircraft Hit Medical College Hostel
The aircraft reportedly crashed into a hostel housing doctors from a local medical college, killing five students. Shocking visuals from the site show debris embedded in the dining hall walls, with untouched meals still visible on the tables.
A video circulating online captured the aircraft flying unusually low before crashing and erupting into a fireball.
The aircraft was heavily fueled for its international journey, contributing to the severity of the explosion.
According to aviation expert Sanjay Lazar, the crash occurred at an altitude of just 825 feet, indicating a critical failure to gain lift. The pilot issued a “mayday” call, but no further communication was received by air traffic control.
Crew Details and Immediate Response
The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had logged 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience. Both were among the deceased.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with over two dozen ambulances deployed. Injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while traffic around the crash site was diverted.
Air India has dispatched a team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to assist affected families and is cooperating fully with investigative agencies.
A dedicated passenger helpline has been set up at 1800 5691 444 (from India) and +91 8062779200 (for international callers).
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said in a statement.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the crash.
Air India has assured that updates will be posted regularly on its official X handle and website www.airindia.com.
