An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, it gained an altitude of 625 feet before plunging into the Meghaninagar area and triggering a massive fire and emergency response.
The DGCA confirmed that 242 people were on board—230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members—including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His death has been confirmed by Union Minister C R Patil. The aircraft, commanded by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar, was heavily fueled for the long-haul flight, intensifying the explosion on impact.
A part of the aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel, leading to further casualties. At least eight deaths have been reported so far, with dozens more injured or unaccounted for.
Health Principal Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi stated that Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has set up facilities to collect DNA samples from the relatives of victims of the Air India crash. The samples will assist authorities in the identification of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Air India's parent company, Tata Group, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each victim who lost their life in the tragic plane crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots issued a "Mayday" distress call just minutes before the crash. Multiple fire engines and ambulances were dispatched to the scene for rescue operations.
A formal investigation is expected, with technical support likely from Boeing. While the cause remains unconfirmed, experts say the heavy fuel load for the international flight may have intensified the post-crash fire, hampering rescue efforts.
Police confirmed that over 100 bodies, many severely charred, have been brought to the local government hospital for autopsy. “A large section of the doctors' hostel where the plane crashed has been cleared—around 70 to 80%—and the rest will be cleared soon,” a senior officer said. Photos and videos from the site show debris scattered around the building, with the aircraft’s tail lodged on its rooftop.
The UK government issued a statement: “We are aware of the plane crash in Ahmedabad and are working with Indian authorities to urgently gather information and assist those affected. British nationals in need of consular support should call 020 7008 5000.”
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has suspended all flight operations until further notice. To assist stranded passengers, Indian Railways has deployed Vande Bharat trains to facilitate travel from Ahmedabad to major cities until air services resume.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner following the Air India crash. CM Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to expedite rescue efforts and provide immediate medical care. A green corridor was set up to transport the injured swiftly to hospitals.
In a statement on X, Patel confirmed that Shah assured full central government support for relief and investigation efforts.
Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani killed in the plane crash
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed in the London-bound Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport. Union Minister C.R. Patil has confirmed his death.
According to the passenger list, “Vijay Ramniklal Rupani” was listed as the 12th passenger. He was booked in Z class, which corresponds to Business Class.
He was on his way to visit his daughter, Radhika, who lives in the UK. His wife, Anjali Rupani, is currently in London, and the former Chief Minister was reportedly travelling to bring his wife back home.
Vijay Rupani became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in August 2016 following the unexpected resignation of then-CM Anandiben Patel. He held the position until 2021, when he stepped down to make way for Bhupendra Patel, who became the 17th Chief Minister of the state.
Widely regarded as a protégé of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rupani was a first-time MLA from Rajkot West when he assumed the Chief Minister’s office. At the time, he was also serving as the Gujarat BJP president and a state minister, making his appointment a strategic decision by the party's central leadership.
Rupani began his public life with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party since its formation in 1980. A dedicated RSS pracharak, he was jailed during the Emergency for opposing the then central government.
He also served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012.
Survivor found in seat 11A, under treatment
British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, miraculously survived the tragic Air India crash en route to London that claimed numerous lives. His survival has been described by witnesses and officials as nothing short of extraordinary amid the devastation.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik stated, "One survivor was found in seat 11A and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. It's too early to confirm the exact number of casualties, as the flight crashed in a densely populated residential area. The death toll may rise."
“Just thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise—and then the plane crashed. It happened so fast,” recalled Vishwash Kumar Ramesh from his hospital bed at Civil Hospital in Asarwa.
Vishwash and his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh (45), were returning to the UK after a brief family visit to India and a trip to Diu. Although they were seated in different rows, only Vishwash has been found so far.
“When I regained consciousness, there were bodies everywhere. I was terrified. I got up and ran—there were pieces of the aircraft all around me. Someone pulled me aside and rushed me to the hospital in an ambulance,” he said, visibly shaken.
Ministers, community mourn Air India tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to share his response: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."
Taking X, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating."
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he added.
Issuing a following a London-bound plane crashing in India, King Charles III said, “aid: "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”
David Lammy, the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, expressed his deep concern as well.
"Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support," wrote Lammy on X.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed that Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident shortly after takeoff. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those affected,” he said, adding that the airline is working closely with emergency teams and has activated an emergency centre to support families.
The National Council of Gujarati Organisations UK (NCGO UK) has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic Air India crash involving the Ahmedabad–London flight. President of NCGO UK, Vimalji Odedra said: “Our entire community is mourning. We are devastated by the tragic loss of life and stand with the grieving families at this most difficult time. As a community, we will continue to offer strength, unity, and support wherever it is needed.”
Krishna Pujara, Vice President of NCGO UK, added, “This is a dark and tragic day for our community. As we process this heartbreaking loss, we stand in unity with the families of the victims. May they find strength and peace during this unimaginable time.”
Plane crashes into medical interns' hostel
In a tragic turn of events, part of the Air India aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday landed on the roof of a hostel housing medical interns. A video circulating online shows a crowd gathered at the site, with debris—including what appears to be a landing gear wheel—visible on top of the BJ Medical College intern doctors’ hostel.
According to a doctor at Civil Hospital, the crash also affected the hospital’s canteen area, where an estimated 30 to 50 students and staff were present at the time. The impacted zone has been completely sealed off, with access restricted even for medical personnel. Local reports indicate that around 30 students sustained injuries in the incident.
* This is a developing story.