A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Wednesday, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage to a densely populated neighborhood.

The flight, which was en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

According to reports, the aircraft issued a Mayday distress call shortly after departure at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time.

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It lost contact with air traffic control while at an altitude of roughly 625 feet before crashing in Meghani Nagar, a residential area near the airport.

The aircraft struck a hostel building associated with B.J. Medical College, causing a large explosion and fire that sent heavy smoke across the city.

Emergency personnel, including police, fire services, and medical teams, were deployed immediately to the scene.

A senior police officer told Reuters that the aircraft had crashed directly into a doctors’ hostel, stating, “We have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon.”

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Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran confirmed the incident in a public statement on X.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Chandrasekaran wrote. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.”

Chandrasekaran also said that an emergency operations center has been activated, and support teams have been deployed to assist families seeking information.

“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” he added.

With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
At this moment, our…

— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025

Rescue teams have so far recovered between 30 and 35 bodies, according to officials.

The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue through the debris.

Emergency workers are also assessing the structural integrity of nearby buildings and searching for survivors who may be trapped inside the surrounding structures.

The plane crashed into the dining hall of the BJ Medical College undergraduate hostel in Meghani Nagar, resulting in the tragic loss of many MBBS students’ lives. pic.twitter.com/mZRcaNpSke

— Jammles (@jammles9) June 12, 2025

Onboard the flight were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.

Among the passengers were 11 children and two infants, according to a source who spoke with Reuters.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing condolences and said he is monitoring the situation closely.

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it,” Modi said.

“Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Aviation authorities from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have not yet released preliminary findings, but black box recovery and analysis are expected to begin shortly.

The crash marks one of the most severe aviation incidents in India in recent years. Further updates will be released as the investigation develops and recovery operations progress.