London-Bound Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad, Over 200 Feared Dead
In a devastating incident on June 12, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of over 200 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew members when it plummeted into a civilian area near the airport, leaving behind a trail of wreckage and sorrow.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that 204 bodies had been recovered from the site of the crash. Among the deceased may be both passengers and civilians on the ground, he said. The tragedy has left families in anguish, many of whom have been asked to submit DNA samples to help identify the victims.
Remarkably, at least one survivor has been identified — a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was listed on the flight manifest. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. No additional survivors have been confirmed.
According to Air India, the aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. Local media reports indicate the crash occurred moments after takeoff, with early visuals from the scene showing a thick plume of black smoke rising near the airport. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where multiple victims were seen being transported via stretchers into ambulances.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have struck a residential hostel housing doctors. “We rescued many doctors from their flats,” said Darshna Vaghela, a local politician, speaking to reporters at the site. The extent of damage to structures on the ground is still being assessed.
Air India confirmed that Flight 171 was operated using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB, and had earlier completed a flight from New Delhi to Ahmedabad that same day. The aircraft, 11.5 years old, had been part of Air India’s fleet since its manufacture. Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese passengers, and one Canadian.
The captain of the ill-fated flight, Sumeet Sabharwal, was an experienced pilot with over 8,000 hours of flying time. His co-pilot had logged more than 1,100 hours. Despite their combined expertise, the aircraft lost contact with the airport’s tower while climbing through 625 feet—just moments after takeoff.
This crash marks the first-ever total loss of a Boeing 787 since the aircraft model began service in 2011. The news has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and among the global Indian diaspora.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating he was “stunned and saddened” by the loss of lives. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III have also extended their condolences and are reportedly being kept updated on the situation.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing issued a statement via its X (formerly Twitter) account, saying it is in close contact with Air India and stands ready to provide any necessary support. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the company posted.
As the cause of the crash remains unclear, aviation authorities and investigators are working around the clock to determine what went wrong. For now, the nation mourns as families await answers, and the world watches closely for further developments from Ahmedabad.
