133 dead in Air India crash near Ahmedabad airport; rescue efforts continue
The flight, numbered AI-171, was carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members.
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A major aviation disaster took place in Gujarat on Thursday afternoon when an Air India flight bound for London crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash has claimed at least 133 lives so far, and rescue operations are still underway.
The flight, numbered AI-171, was carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at around 1:17 PM but lost altitude quickly and crashed near Dharpur, close to the Meghaninagar area. Thick smoke and flames were seen rising from the site, located near BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The cause of the crash has not yet been officially confirmed, but emergency teams, fire brigade personnel, and disaster response forces are working at the scene.
The accident has drawn responses from national and international leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, asking them to visit Ahmedabad and oversee relief efforts. Amit Shah has also spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to coordinate the emergency response.
The Western Railway's disaster management team is assisting with the rescue, with medical and security personnel on-site. Extra trains may be operated from Ahmedabad depending on the public need in the coming days.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “devastating” and expressed his sympathies, particularly as 53 British nationals were onboard. Messages of support also came from France, Russia, and the United States. French envoy Thierry Mathou said France stands in full solidarity with India, while the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai urged its citizens to contact family and stay updated.
Several Indian leaders expressed their grief. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu all shared their condolences. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy called on the Centre to act swiftly to help those impacted. Congress leaders directed local party workers to help in rescue and relief operations.
Medical professionals on-site reported that the crash hit the BJ Medical College’s mess area. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) confirmed the crash location and called for urgent medical relief and evacuation support.
As of now, authorities are still identifying the deceased. Injured passengers have been taken to nearby hospitals, and families of victims are being contacted. Many survivors remain critical, and hospital staff are working round the clock.
The Air India aircraft involved is known for its advanced technology and passenger comfort. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was introduced in 2009 and has since been part of Air India’s long-haul fleet.
With smoke still lingering over the crash site and ambulances ferrying the injured, the city of Ahmedabad remains on edge. Investigations will likely continue for days as officials search for the aircraft’s black box and review flight records.