Tragedy in Ahmedabad: 100 bodies recovered after Air India plane crash Por Luís Henrique Costa
8 min de leitura
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An Air India flight, AI171, bound for London, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in India on June 12, 2025, killing at least 100 people, according to local authorities. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 individuals, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members, and struck a doctors’ hostel in the residential area of Meghani Nagar, also causing casualties on the ground. The crash, which occurred at 1:38 p.m. local time, triggered an explosion and intense fire fueled by the long-haul flight’s fuel load. Rescue teams, including firefighters and the National Disaster Response Force, are working at the site, while authorities investigate the cause of the tragedy.
The scale of the disaster shocked the local and international community. Footage from the scene shows thick smoke and scattered debris, with the plane’s tail embedded in a building. Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, as well as Gujarat’s former chief minister, Vijay Rupani. The tragedy marks the first involving a Boeing 787, a model known for its safety.
- Initial flight details: The plane took off from runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
- Emergency signal: A “mayday” call was issued by the pilots before contact was lost.
- Ground impact: The aircraft hit a doctors’ hostel, killing five students.
- Immediate response: Over 70 fire trucks and ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
First recorded Boeing 787 disaster
The Ahmedabad crash marks a historic moment in aviation, being the first fatal disaster involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011. The aircraft, 11 years old with registration VT-ANB, was considered modern and reliable, with over a thousand units delivered globally. Known for its carbon-fiber structure and long-haul efficiency, the model’s safety record is now under scrutiny after reaching only 625 feet before crashing. Boeing stated it is gathering information and will cooperate with investigations led by India’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The economic impact was swift, with Boeing’s shares dropping about 8% in pre-market trading in New York. Experts suggest the disaster could heighten scrutiny on the manufacturer, already facing quality concerns with other models. The investigation, led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, will include support from U.S. and U.K. teams due to the presence of British passengers.
Devastating scene at the crash site
Flight AI171 crashed in a densely populated area, exacerbating the tragedy. The hostel hit belonged to BJ Medical College, where about 80 students were present at the time of impact. The college’s dean, Minakshi Parikh, reported that the plane struck the cafeteria, trapping 10 to 12 students in the fire. Five student deaths have been confirmed, with fears of more ground casualties. Verified videos show firefighters battling intense flames, while aircraft debris, including fuselage parts, litters the site.
Witnesses described the moment of impact as chaotic. A local resident reported hearing “multiple explosions” followed by thick smoke. Police cordoned off the area, rerouting traffic to aid rescue efforts. The National Disaster Response Force deployed 90 agents from Gandhinagar, with additional support from Vadodara, to search for survivors.
Rescue and body recovery
Rescue operations began immediately, with over 100 bodies recovered by late afternoon on June 12. Rescuers report that many victims may still be trapped under debris, particularly in the hostel. Ambulances transported the injured to Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, where scenes of despair unfolded as families sought news of passengers.
- Ongoing efforts: Teams are working to clear 20% to 30% of the still-inaccessible area.
- Ground victims: Residents and students were among those affected.
- Family support: Air India activated an emergency center to provide information.
- Hospital mobilization: Green corridors were set up for rapid transport of the injured.
Global leaders’ reactions
The tragedy sparked global outcry. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking” and said he is in contact with authorities to coordinate rescue efforts. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated he is on “high alert,” ensuring swift action from emergency agencies. Gujarat’s chief minister, Bhupendra Patel, ordered rescue operations on a “war footing” and immediate treatment for the injured.
In the U.K., Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash scenes as “devastating” and noted the 53 British passengers aboard. The British government opened a support line for families and sent crisis teams to India and London. King Charles III is also being updated, according to Buckingham Palace.entes de Gandhinagar, com reforços adicionais de Vadodara, para auxiliar na busca por sobreviventes.
Passengers and crew of flight AI171
The flight carried diverse passengers, including public figures like Vijay Rupani, Gujarat’s former chief minister. The crew was led by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 flight hours, and co-pilot Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours. Air India reported that the 242 occupants included 11 children, but did not disclose the crew’s nationalities. The confirmed passenger list underscores the tragedy’s scope, with entire families on board.
The presence of foreign nationals heightened international attention. Portugal is monitoring the situation of its seven citizens, while Canada tracks its sole passenger. Air India pledged regular updates via its website and social media, prioritizing support for victims’ families.
Temporary airport closure
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport halted all operations after the crash, affecting domestic and international flights. The suspension was lifted at 4:05 p.m. local time, with services gradually resuming. The decision caused disruptions, such as an IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Ahmedabad returning to its origin with 179 passengers.
The initial closure ensured safety and supported emergency operations. The airport, managed by the Adani Group, stated it follows strict protocols to restore normalcy. Gautam Adani, the group’s chairman, offered condolences and said the company is assisting authorities to support affected families.
Ongoing investigations
The crash’s cause remains unknown, but early reports suggest issues shortly after takeoff. The “mayday” call indicates a severe emergency, but the subsequent loss of communication points to a rapid, catastrophic failure. Flightradar24 data shows the plane reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before descending at a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute.
- Factors under review: Weather conditions were clear with good visibility.
- Initial hypotheses: Mechanical failure or human error are possibilities.
- International collaboration: U.S. and U.K. teams will assist the investigation.
- Safety focus: The Boeing 787’s previously spotless record will be reassessed.
Local community impact
Meghani Nagar, where the plane crashed, is a residential area near the airport. The impact destroyed parts of the doctors’ hostel, leaving visible scars on buildings and trees. Residents reported panic, with many rushing to aid rescue efforts. Local politician Darshna Vaghela described the impact sound as a “loud boom” while in her nearby office.
The tragedy disrupted city life. Schools and businesses near the site closed, and police imposed a temporary curfew to prevent unrest. The community rallied to support rescuers, with volunteers providing water and food.
History of air crashes in India
While India maintains strict aviation standards, major accidents have occurred. The last fatal incident, in 2020, involved an Air India Express flight in Kozhikode, which skidded off the runway, killing 21. The Ahmedabad disaster is the worst since the 1980s, when Indian Airlines flight 113 crashed in the same city, killing 131. The recurrence in Ahmedabad reignites debates about air safety in dense urban areas.
Humanitarian efforts and victim support
Air India activated an emergency center for families, while the Indian government pledged full support. Local hospitals are on high alert, with medical teams treating the injured. International organizations like the Red Cross offered logistical aid.
In the U.K., the Foreign Office set up a hotline (+44 20 7008 5000) for British citizens seeking information. Global solidarity is evident in condolence messages from leaders like UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and pilots’ associations, which called for a transparent investigation to prevent future tragedies.
