Air India Flight AI171 Crashes into Hostel in Ahmedabad, Causing Significant Casualties
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A catastrophic incident occurred today when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The flight, bound for London Gatwick with 242 passengers and crew on board, collided with the UG hostel mess building at BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in significant loss of life among passengers and students.
The crash took place at approximately 1:17 PM IST, sending shockwaves through the city. Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict the aircraft losing altitude rapidly before striking the hostel building, causing a massive explosion. Thick black smoke billowed from the site, with debris and bodies scattered across the area, painting a grim scene of destruction.
The flight was operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. Emergency response teams, including fire services, police, and medical personnel, were swiftly mobilized to conduct rescue and recovery operations. Authorities have temporarily suspended flight operations at Ahmedabad airport to facilitate these efforts.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with officials analyzing flight data and the aircraft’s black box recordings. Boeing has expressed its commitment to supporting the investigation. The tragedy has claimed numerous lives, including medical students residing in the hostel and passengers on board, though exact casualty figures are yet to be confirmed.
As rescue operations continue, the nation mourns the profound loss. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
