Air India Flight With 242 Onboard Crashes in Ahmedabad; Only One Survivor.
A devastating aviation tragedy struck India on Thursday as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard. The lone survivor was a passenger seated in 11A, officials confirmed.
The aircraft, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members. The flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian.
Crash Details
The aircraft lost altitude moments after takeoff at 1:38 PM, crashing into a residential building that housed a doctors’ hostel affiliated with a local medical college. The impact killed five students on the ground and caused widespread damage. Visuals from the site show the wreckage penetrating the dining hall, with uneaten meals still on tables.
Eyewitness videos showed the plane flying unusually low before erupting into a massive fireball upon impact. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and debris. At least two dozen ambulances transported victims to nearby hospitals, while police cordoned off the area.
Mayday Call and Crew Experience
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilot issued a mayday call moments after takeoff. No further contact was made with air traffic control.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran with over 8,200 flight hours, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
Official Reaction
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated he is personally overseeing the response efforts and has instructed all emergency and aviation agencies to act swiftly.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on X.
Helpline Activated
Air India has launched a dedicated helpline — 1800 5691 444 — for families seeking information about passengers.
Investigators, including international aviation experts, are expected to probe the cause of the crash. This is one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
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