Tragic Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Over 240 Lives

In a catastrophic incident that has sent shockwaves across the globe, an Air India passenger plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025. Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London when it collided with a college hostel, resulting in the deaths of more than 240 individuals, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin, managed to escape the wreckage, but tragically, his brother, who was seated next to him, perished in the disaster.

The incident marks the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had previously been noted for its safety record. According to Professor Ali Elham, an expert in aeronautics at the University of Southampton, the aircraft had encountered issues related to battery overheating in 2013, but those problems were addressed by Boeing through redesigns. "This accident raises serious questions about the operational safety of modern aircraft, especially given the Dreamliner's reputation," Professor Elham stated in an interview with NewsRadio.

Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes in the aftermath of the crash. Meghna Bali, the head of the ABC's South Asia bureau, reported seeing the devastation firsthand, noting the wreckage scattered across the college campus. "There were blackened trees and broken glass, and the smell of burning rubber and plastic lingered in the air," she recounted. The aircraft's tail struck the dining area of BJ Medical College, killing at least five medical students and injuring around 50 others who were on the ground at the time of the accident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. We are in touch with the authorities who are working to assist those affected." In the wake of the crash, families have begun providing DNA samples to aid in the identification of victims, as forensic investigations are expected to take up to three years.

As the investigation unfolds, Boeing's president, Kelly Ortberg, has pledged full support to the inquiry led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Ortberg emphasized Boeing's commitment to adhering to international protocols established by the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and stand ready to assist the investigation in any way possible," he stated.

The aviation industry is now bracing for scrutiny as experts examine potential causes for the crash. Alastair Rosenschein, a former Boeing 747 pilot, raised concerns about the plane's landing gear and flap configurations at the time of the crash, suggesting the possibility of human error. "While we must await the full report, initial observations indicate that this may not solely be a technical failure, but rather a complex interplay of factors," Rosenschein noted.

The crash has drawn international attention, with leaders from several countries expressing their condolences and support for the families affected. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the event as "heartbreaking" and confirmed that no Australians were reported to be on board. The United Kingdom's Foreign Office has activated a crisis team to assist British families impacted by the tragedy.

As the world mourns the loss of life, the broader implications of this incident on aviation safety standards and regulations are likely to come under intense scrutiny. The future of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may hinge on the findings of this investigation, as stakeholders across the aviation industry seek to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.