Ahmedabad Air India plane crash: Over 200 dead, one survivor

Amit Shah says heat from burning fuel gave ‘no chance to save anyone’

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday at 1:38 PM, killing over 200 people and injuring dozens. Only one person is reported to have survived the catastrophic crash.

Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, plunged to the ground just outside the airport perimeter near Meghaninagar and exploded on impact, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air.

The aircraft struck the dining hall of the BJ Medical College hostel, leading to additional casualties.

Aircraft carried 242 onboard
According to Air India, the aircraft was carrying 217 adults, 11 children, two infants, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew members — including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress call moments after takeoff, before losing contact with air traffic control. It was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

‘No chance to save anyone’: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the crash site alongside Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, stated: “There was around 1.25 lakh litres of fuel on the aircraft.
The temperature was extremely high. Because of that, there was no chance to save anyone.”

Shah confirmed that almost all the bodies have been recovered, and authorities are conducting over 1,000 DNA tests to establish identities. He said both central and state forensic labs are handling the process, and that families of foreign nationals have been informed and their samples will be collected soon.

Shah also met Ramesh Vishwakarma Bucharvada, the lone survivor seated in 11A, who miraculously escaped death. The 38-year-old British national is under treatment.

“The entire country is devastated and stands with the families of those who lost their lives,” Shah said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was immediately informed and continues to monitor the situation.

BJ Medical College hostel hit
The plane crashed directly onto the dining hall of the BJ Medical College doctors’ hostel. According to the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), 50–60 medical students were admitted to nearby hospitals.

At least 4–5 students are missing, 2–3 are in ICU, and several relatives of resident doctors remain unaccounted for. One resident doctor’s wife has been confirmed dead.

FAIMA has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations for the injured.

Two Manipur crew members dead
Two women from Manipur were among the cabin crew on board the ill-fated Air India flight that crashed in Gujarat on Thursday. They have been identified as 22-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, a Meitei from Thoubal district, and 28-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a Kuki from Kangpokpi district.

Union Minister CR Paatil confirmed that Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was among those killed. Condolences poured in from leaders across India.

Nagaland Deputy CM Y. Patton said, “He was a man of integrity, clarity, and absolute dedication to public service.” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called the news “shocking and deeply saddening.”

Government and International response
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu reached the site and is coordinating emergency operations with local authorities. Rescue teams, fire brigades, and NDRF personnel are working to recover bodies and aid survivors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words” in a statement on X, adding, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy CM Y Patton also issued public condolences. Rio said, “I am shocked and deeply saddened,” while Patton termed the crash “a devastating national tragedy.”

Tata group announces ex gratia, support
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore for each family of the deceased and committed to bearing all medical expenses of the injured. He also pledged support in rebuilding the BJ Medical College hostel damaged in the crash.

International investigators join probe
Given that several foreign nationals were onboard, international aviation agencies have joined the investigation.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has offered formal assistance to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and is sending a multidisciplinary team. British citizens being onboard grants the AAIB expert status in the investigation.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also confirmed it is dispatching investigators to support India’s efforts to determine the cause of the crash.

(With input from agencies)

MT