Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Dreamliner Crash Kills Over 200

Ahmedabad, India – A devastating air disaster struck just outside Ahmedabad on Thursday, claiming the lives of more than 200 people. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.

Flight AL171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, issued a mayday call before disappearing from air traffic control radar. City Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed the recovery of 204 bodies from the crash site, with 41 individuals reported injured, according to the New York Times.

Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow” over the “tragic accident.” “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his grief, saying the tragedy “stunned and saddened us” and was “heartbreaking beyond words.” He added, “In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”

According to the BBC, the aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Injured survivors have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitness videos circulating on social media depict thick plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage. Reports indicate the plane impacted a dining area at B.J. Medical College, where 60 to 80 students were present. Dean Minakshi Parikh confirmed at least five student fatalities. “Most of the students escaped, but 10 or 12 were trapped in the fire,” she said, describing the heavy smoke.

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his shock and devastation, stating, “We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the disaster, offering condolences to those aboard the London-bound flight, many of whom were British nationals. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said.

Flight data from FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft reached approximately 625 feet in altitude before the crash. The Aviation Safety Network database reports this as the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft.

All flights to and from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad have been temporarily suspended. Gatwick Airport confirmed Flight AL171 was scheduled to arrive in London at 6:25 p.m. local time.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.