by Shah J. Choudhury
A devastating tragedy struck India today as an Air India Dreamliner jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming the lives of at least 265 people. The flight, headed to London as AI-171, collided with a medical college hostel, igniting a fireball that engulfed both the aircraft and the residential building.
The disaster has sent shockwaves across the globe, with the international community mourning the loss of life in what is now being called one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent history.
Flight Details and Casualties
The Boeing 787-8 was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including:
• 169 Indians
• 53 British nationals
• 7 Portuguese citizens
• 1 Canadian
Officials have confirmed 265 fatalities—including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground. Rescue teams fear the toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.
One survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was found alive in the wreckage. Speaking from a local hospital, he said:
“When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by fire and silence. Somehow, I crawled out.”
Crash Site & Rescue Operation
The plane crashed into the BJ Medical College doctors’ hostel at approximately 1:39 PM, just moments after takeoff. The building was partially occupied during the afternoon, resulting in additional civilian casualties—many of them young medical students.
• Rescue teams, including NDRF and local firefighters, have been working tirelessly through the debris.
• Over 125,000 liters of fuel caused a prolonged blaze.
• Black boxes are being recovered to assist the investigation.
Photos and videos from the crash site show twisted metal, charred remains of luggage, and the shattered dormitory block—highlighting the scale of the devastation.
Condolences and International Reactions
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “national tragedy.”
• UK PM Keir Starmer, King Charles, and other world leaders sent their condolences.
• Air India and the Tata Group announced ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family.
Support centers and helplines have been established for the families of victims. Special charter flights are being arranged for next of kin from major cities in India and abroad.
Investigation Underway
The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale probe, joined by U.S. and U.K. aviation experts. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft failed to gain proper altitude and had its landing gear extended moments before impact.
This is the first-ever fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, intensifying scrutiny on the aircraft model and Boeing’s safety assurances.
Shah J. Choudhury News Editorial Note: This is not just a story of numbers. Behind every statistic is a family broken, a future lost, a voice silenced. Our team at Shahr News extends heartfelt condolences to all those affected. We will continue to bring verified updates, survivor stories, and tributes to the lives lost.
