Ahmedabad, India — A tragic aviation disaster unfolded today as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Key Details of the Crash
Timing and Location
The plane took off and crashed five minutes later, just 5.6 kilometers southwest of the airport.
It struck a doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College, where students were having lunch, killing at least five medical students and injuring dozens more.
Casualties and Survivors
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik stated that "there appear to be no survivors" from the flight, though some reports suggest a few may have been rescued.
At least 204 bodies have been recovered so far, with 41 injured (including passengers and people on the ground).
Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
Footage and Eyewitness Accounts
Videos verified by major news outlets show the plane descending steadily before a massive explosion, with flames and black smoke engulfing the area.
The tail of the aircraft was seen lodged in the medical college building, while debris was scattered across the crash site.
Response and Investigation
Boeing has pledged support for Air India, calling the incident a “tragedy”.
U.S. (NTSB), UK (AAIB), and Indian authorities are collaborating on the investigation, with early speculation focusing on mechanical failure or pilot error.
This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
Global Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed devastation, while King Charles extended condolences to victims’ families.
Tata Group, Air India’s owner, announced ₹1 crore (about Ksh. 19,000,000) compensation for each victim’s family.
Ongoing Developments
Ahmedabad Airport has resumed limited operations 2.
DNA testing is being conducted to identify victims, with relatives urged to provide samples 3.
Air India is organizing relief flights for victims’ families from Delhi and Mumbai
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