Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025. A heartbreaking plane accident happened in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that was heading to London-Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel just a few minutes after it took off. The crash took place at 1:30 PM IST and resulted in the loss of many lives, including five medical students and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. This tragic event sent shockwaves throughout India and even to other countries.
Passenger Nationalities in Air India AI 171
According to Air India, the passengers on board represented a diverse range of nationalities.
Nationality | Number |
Indian citizens | 169 |
British nationals | 53 |
Portuguese citizens | 7 |
Canadian national | 1 |
Not long after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the pilot of AI 171 made a mayday call to Air Traffic Control. Sources say that the pilot’s last words were:
“No thrust, plane not taking lift.”
Communication was lost soon after, and just a few minutes later, the plane plunged into a residential building. This hostel housed students and doctors from a medical college in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area. People who saw it happen reported hearing a loud bang, and then they saw black smoke coming up from where the plane crashed.
Officials have confirmed that five students died, four of them were undergraduates and one was a postgraduate, while they were in the hostel during the crash. Many others were hurt, including people living in the hostel and those on the bus. Rescue teams, comprising firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services personnel, arrived at the scene within a few minutes.
Over 24 ambulances were dispatched, and those who were injured were taken to nearby hospitals. The building had a partial collapse, and by evening, the search for people who might be trapped was still happening. Local officials blocked off the area and redirected traffic to ensure that rescue efforts could proceed uninterrupted.
Vijay Rupani Among the Dead
Among the 242 people on board was Vijay Rupani, who served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021 and is a well-known leader in the BJP. Sadly, the 68-year-old was confirmed dead by the evening. His death is a sad reminder of Gujarat’s political past. Balwantrai Mehta, the second Chief Minister of the state, also lost his life in a plane crash back in 1965.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“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.”
Bollywood and the Sports Community Respond to the Incident
As news of the crash spread, people from the entertainment and sports worlds shared their sympathies.
Actor Salman Khan cancelled a scheduled event to announce his association with the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) in light of the tragedy.
Cricketers Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya also responded, with Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma posting: “Saddened and shocked. Praying for all affected.”
Pandya wrote: “Prayers and strength to everyone impacted by the tragedy.”
Air India and Government Response
Air India confirmed the crash in an official statement.
“Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London has been involved in an incident shortly after takeoff. We are coordinating with local authorities and emergency teams on-site.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation into the crash. Initial indications suggest a potential engine failure, although the conclusions will depend on the results of the black box analysis and technical assessments.
After the event, the Global Association, along with local NGOs, asked for blood donations because hospitals are still helping burn victims and people with trauma.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is one of the saddest air disasters in recent Indian history, causing a lot of sorrow, questions that need answers, and a community that is grieving.
While rescue and recovery efforts continue, the country is hoping for understanding and healing during this challenging time.