Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes into Residential Building in Meghani Nagar

 Published: June 13, 2025

✈️ Catastrophic Crash Claims Over 290 Lives

In a devastating turn of events, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a residential building in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff. The impact and subsequent explosion resulted in at least 290 confirmed fatalities, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in India in nearly three decades.

The aircraft, which departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM local time, lost contact with air traffic control within five minutes of takeoff. Moments later, it plummeted into a densely populated neighborhood, erupting into a fiery blaze that consumed multiple floors of a building housing students and residents alike.

📍 The Moment of Impact

Surveillance footage from the Meghani Nagar area captured the chilling final moments of Flight AI171. The plane appeared to lose altitude rapidly, its nose tilting downward before smashing directly into a five-story building. A massive explosion followed, with flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The explosion was felt up to 3 kilometers away, shattering windows and triggering panic across the district.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “hellish.” Local resident Minal Desai, who lives a block away, told News18:

“There was a loud boom, the sky went black with smoke, and the ground shook. It was like an earthquake. Then came the screams.”

🧑‍✈️ Passengers and Crew

According to Air India, Flight AI171 was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The airline confirmed that the passenger list included:

169 Indian nationals
53 British citizens
7 Portuguese nationals
1 Canadian citizen

One British passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived and is currently being treated at a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Local authorities are working closely with foreign embassies to identify and notify next of kin.

Early, unverified reports suggested that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been onboard. However, neither Air India nor the Gujarat state government has confirmed this information at the time of publication.

🔥 Aftermath and Rescue Operations

Emergency response units, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire departments, and Indian Army units, were deployed within minutes. Seven fire engines, dozens of ambulances, and over 300 personnel were involved in search-and-rescue operations that lasted well into the night.

The building struck by the aircraft—identified as a student dormitory associated with B.J. Medical College—was almost completely destroyed. Rescue teams recovered charred remains and debris scattered across a 500-meter radius.

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner, P. Rajkumar, stated:

“This is an unparalleled disaster. We are working around the clock to rescue anyone who might still be trapped. The full extent of the tragedy will only become clear in the coming days.”

🕊️ National and International Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a televised address, declaring a day of national mourning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. The nation stands united in grief.”

Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, announced immediate financial aid to the families of the deceased and full medical coverage for the injured. International leaders including UK Prime Minister Lucy Powell and Canadian Prime Minister Kiran Sood have also offered condolences and support.

📊 Preliminary Findings and Investigations

This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model praised for its safety and modern engineering. Flight data shows the aircraft reached an altitude of only 625 feet before vanishing from radar.

A distress signal was sent moments before the crash, suggesting a possible mechanical or electrical failure. The black box and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been located and are undergoing analysis.

Investigations are now underway, led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in cooperation with:

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – United States
Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) – United Kingdom
Boeing engineers and forensic teams

Early theories range from engine stall, bird strike, to instrument failure, but officials urge caution before drawing conclusions.

📹 The Video That Shook the Internet

Shortly after the crash, security camera footage surfaced online showing the moment of impact. The video, shared by several Indian news outlets and eyewitnesses, has since gone viral on social media.

📺 Watch: The Moment Air India Flight Hits Building in Ahmedabad (The Economic Times)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKYX_6Az5U

While many netizens shared the footage in shock and grief, others called for restraint, urging platforms to restrict graphic content out of respect for victims and families.

🏢 The Meghani Nagar Zone

Meghani Nagar, a middle-income neighborhood near the city center, is home to thousands of students, health workers, and families. The building struck served as accommodation for over 100 students and staff from B.J. Medical College. At least 58 additional deaths occurred on the ground, including students and building staff.

A survivor, third-year medical student Rupal Thakkar, said:

“I had just stepped out for lunch. Ten minutes later, my room was rubble.”

Authorities have set up temporary shelters and trauma counseling services for displaced residents and affected families.

⚖️ Legal and Corporate Ramifications

Air India has come under scrutiny for its maintenance records, pilot training, and emergency response readiness. With Tata Group having only recently acquired full control of the airline, this tragedy could have major legal and reputational consequences.

A spokesperson from Air India stated:

“We are cooperating fully with investigators. Our focus right now is on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring complete transparency.”

Lawyers in Delhi and Mumbai confirm that class-action lawsuits are likely in both India and the UK, especially if negligence is found to be a factor.

🛫 Broader Implications for Aviation

This crash raises renewed concerns about aviation safety in India, especially in congested urban environments. Aviation analyst Kabir Saxena told News18:

“Aircraft crashing into residential zones is a worst-case scenario. It speaks to how critical urban planning and flight path risk assessments have become.”

The DGCA has announced a nationwide review of takeoff and landing procedures for all commercial flights over densely populated areas.

🕯️ A Nation in Mourning

As rescue efforts continue, India faces the sobering task of recovering from this enormous loss. Memorial services are being planned across Gujarat and in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and London.

The incident has left a nation shocked and heartbroken, but also unified in grief and resolve.

🔗 Related Articles for Further Reading:

🔍 What We Know So Far: Air India Flight AI171 Crash
📹 Watch: Air India Plane Slams into Building in Ahmedabad
📰 Former Gujarat CM Believed to be on Flight AI171
📁 Profile: Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s Safety Record
🛑 Timeline: India’s Worst Aviation Disasters