THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ahmedabad, June 12: In a devastating aviation disaster, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, claiming the lives of all 242 people onboard.
The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. IST and went down minutes later in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area. The aircraft collided with the doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College, sparking a massive explosion and fire.
All 242 Onboard Feared Dead
The passenger list included 230 passengers and 12 crew members, among them:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly among those onboard, according to BJP officials.
Authorities have also confirmed at least five fatalities on the ground, including medical students living in the hostel. Over 40 people have been hospitalised with injuries, many in serious condition.
Rescue & Emergency Response Underway
The crash site remains under active response from the NDRF, Indian Army, local police, fire and emergency medical services. An Operational Control Room has been set up by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to manage response and communication efforts.
Helpline numbers:
- General: 011-24610843, 9650391859
- Passenger assistance: 1800 5691 444
Emergency contact (Ahmedabad Police):
📞 07925620359
Appeal for Blood Donations
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations. Confirmed centres include:
- U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology – Room 110, A Block (📞 9316732524)
- IHBT, Civil Hospital – 2nd Floor (📞 9428265409)
- IKDRC Hospital, Manjushree Mill Road – Ext 4226 (📞 07922687500)
- GCRI, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute – 1st Floor (📞 07922688026)
Investigation Launched
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun a formal probe. Flight data shows the plane reached only 625 ft before a MAYDAY call was issued. The black box has reportedly been recovered for analysis.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport resumed by 4:05 p.m. IST, with increased safety protocols now in place.
Nation and World React
Condolences have poured in from global leaders. PM Narendra Modi, UK PM Keir Starmer, Canadian PM Mark Carney, and King Charles III have all expressed grief and support.
“This is a dark day for India. Our hearts go out to all who have lost loved ones. The nation stands united,” said PM Modi.
Ongoing Coverage
Further updates will follow as investigations continue and relief efforts evolve. Families are encouraged to reach out through official helplines and support services.
Stay with us for live updates on this developing story.
