A London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, killing all but one on board in what officials are describing as the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade.
Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the hostel building of BJ Medical College just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM. The aircraft issued a mayday call before losing contact with air traffic control, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose death was confirmed by Union Minister C.R. Patil. Media reports noted that Rupani is the second Gujarat chief minister to die in a plane crash.
The sole survivor identified so far is 40-year-old British national Ramesh Vishwashkumar, who was seated in 11A. He has been hospitalised with impact injuries, according to media reports.
Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a Lieutenant Colonel with 8,200 hours of flying experience, commanded the aircraft alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of experience. The DGCA confirmed that the aircraft “fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter” immediately after departure, with “heavy black smoke” visible from the accident site.
The crash claimed lives both on the aircraft and on the ground. Five medical students died when the plane struck the hostel’s dining area during lunch hour, including four undergraduate students and one postgraduate resident. Initial media reports suggested at least two student fatalities, with 48 others injured, though casualty figures have varied across sources.
The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The flight carried 232 passengers, including two infants, along with 10 crew members.
City police chief G.S. Malik told media that 204 bodies had been recovered from the crash site, potentially including both passengers and ground casualties. State health secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi announced that DNA sample collection would be conducted at BJ Medical College to assist with victim identification.
Religious leaders across India responded with condolence statements. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India called the incident “heartbreaking” and urged prayers “for the eternal rest of those who have died, for comfort to the bereaved, and for strength and healing for the injured.”
The Evangelical Fellowship of India also issued a statement, saying it “joins the nation in mourning the tragic loss of life” and called upon “churches and all people across India to join us in prayer for all who are suffering.”
Speaking to Christian Today, Rev. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of EFI, said: “Today we stand with a grieving nation. The loss of 242 lives, including our former Chief Minister and young medical students, has shaken us all. In times like these, the Church must be present—not with easy answers, but with open hearts and helping hands.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the emerging images “devastating.” King Charles III said he and his wife were “desperately shocked by the terrible events.”
Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, announced compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased person. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the group would also cover medical expenses for the injured and support the rebuilding of the medical college hostel.
Boeing issued a statement saying: “We are in close contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and are ready to provide full support. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders, and everyone affected by this disaster.”
Air India has established passenger hotlines at 1800 5691 444 for domestic callers and +91 80627 79200 for international inquiries.
The crash marks the first fatal accident involving Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which entered commercial service in 2011. A DGCA investigation team has been dispatched to the crash site.
Ahmedabad airport suspended operations following the crash but later resumed limited flights. The incident occurred in Prime Minister Modi’s home state of Gujarat, adding political significance to the tragedy.
