- NEW DELHI — In what is being described as one of the worst aviation disasters
in Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people
crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
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- The aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad
to London Gatwick, plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College,
killing 241 people on board.
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- The ill-fated flight had 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew,
and two pilots. According to officials, only one person, a British national of
Indian origin seated in 11A, survived the crash and is currently undergoing
treatment at a local hospital.
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- The aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
International Airport at 1.38 p.m. (IST) on Thursday before losing control
moments later and crashing into a densely populated area, igniting a massive
blaze and triggering emergency response teams across the city.
Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expresses grief
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- Air India confirmed the accident in an official statement
on X: “UPDATE: Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad
to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old
Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230
passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret
to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole
survivor is being treated in a hospital.”
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- The airline also shared the nationality breakdown of
passengers: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one
Canadian.
People near the debris of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the airport, in Ahmedabad, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound plane was carrying 242 passengers.
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- “Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families
of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those
affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India is
now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support,” the statement added.
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- The national carrier has pledged full cooperation with
authorities investigating the cause of the crash and has established dedicated
helplines for families seeking information.
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- Domestic callers can reach the support team at 1800 5691
444, while international callers are advised to dial +91 8062779200.
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- Regular updates will be provided through Air India’s
official website and its X handle.
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