A pall of grief has settled over Ahmedabad and indeed, the world, following the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat, India, on June 12, 2025. 

With 242 individuals on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the devastating incident has triggered an immediate and widespread outpouring of condolences. Although there is no official confirmation about the actual death toll from the crash, when SAH published this article, media reports indicate there is one “miracle survivor” Ramesh Viswashkumar, who was in seat 11A.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement said “Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident” adding “We continue to monitor developments and stand with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.”

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois), expressed profound heartbreak for the victims and their families.

“I am heartbroken by today’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad and want to express my deepest condolences to all those around the world touched by this tragedy,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi stated in a release. “There must be a full investigation to provide answers and prevent such tragedies from happening again.” His sentiment resonated across continents as leaders and individuals grappled with the enormity of the loss.

The London-bound flight, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, abruptly lost contact with air traffic control just five minutes after its 1:38 PM local time departure. The manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, highlighting the international scope of the tragedy. 

Among the Indian nationals feared to be on board was former Gujarat CM Rupani, who was reportedly travelling to London. While there has been no official confirmation of casualties, a list of passengers circulating indicated his presence on the ill-fated flight.

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene in Meghani Nagar, a residential area where the aircraft plummeted, reporting a “huge explosion,” and thick plumes of smoke. Initial reports suggest the plane crashed into a building, possibly a medical college hostel, raising concerns about casualties on the ground as well. 

Vice President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), Dr. Dhawal Gameti, stated that most passengers brought to the hospital were deceased, and noted that 50-60 students were admitted after the plane crashed into BJ Medical College, with 4-5 students missing. The wife of one of the Super Specialist resident doctors was tragically found dead.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly engaged with the crisis, speaking to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, instructing them to ensure all possible assistance. “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,” said PM Modi. 

Home Minister Shah promptly departed for Ahmedabad to personally oversee the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. Indian Army teams, comprising approximately 130 personnel, have been deployed to assist civil administration at the crash site.

International leaders have joined the chorus of sorrow. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conveyed his deep devastation, acknowledging the Canadian citizen on board and assuring close coordination with Indian transportation officials. Singapore Prime Minister expressed profound condolences, stating, “We stand in solidarity with India and all those affected — including citizens from other countries who were on board. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” 

French President Emmanuel Macron mourned the loss of lives, extending thoughts to the loved ones of the victims and PM Modi. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus wrote to PM Modi, expressing shock and offering full support in this trying hour. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his “deepest condolences” to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, extending sympathy and support to the families of the victims.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787-8 Dreamliner, issued a statement expressing its sorrow and readiness to support Air India. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the company stated. This crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011, a model previously lauded for its safety record.

While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, preliminary theories from aviation experts abound. Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, suggested a bird strike might have led to a catastrophic loss of power in both engines, preventing the aircraft from gaining sufficient lift. 

This aligns with Flightradar24 data showing the plane reached a maximum altitude of around 625 feet before its rapid descent. Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar raised the possibility of a loss of lift or stall due to insufficient speed or incorrect configuration, potentially caused by prematurely retracted flaps.

Other contributing factors considered by experts include environmental conditions, such as the high temperature of 43°C and a full load, combined with a possible intersection takeoff, which could have pushed the aircraft to its performance limits. Pilot error, specifically incorrect flap settings or inaccurate takeoff weight calculations, is also being examined, although the co-pilot’s relatively low experience of 1,100 hours has been noted without direct linkage to the cause. The “Mayday” call issued by the pilots’ moments before the crash indicates a critical in-flight emergency.

Eyewitness accounts shared on social media platform X painted a grim picture. Vikram Joshi described a “huge explosion” and the plane burning as it fell. Another resident reported a “massive sound” followed by thick smoke and the gruesome sight of “dead bodies and debris…scattered all over.”

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have initiated a formal investigation, likely with support from Boeing. 

Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a judicial probe into the matter, suggesting a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge investigate the failure. The crucial black boxes, containing cockpit voice recordings and flight data, have been recovered and are expected to provide definitive insights into the tragedy. As recovery efforts continue and families await news, the world watches, unified in its sorrow and the urgent need for answers.

MRAeS, Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society UK, Mark Martin, said “The aircraft from its attitude made several pitch up corrections, but the thrust setting to MCT or Maximum Continuous Thrust could sadly not achieved.”

Expressing condolences, Chairman of Tata Trusts, Noel Tata said “This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families, and our thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones today.”

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