Air India flight crashes in Ahmedabad, killing most of the passengers
- The Air India plane, Flight AI171, crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad shortly after taking off.
- Most passengers on board died, and many students on the campus attempted to escape by jumping from buildings.
- Investigations into the crash's cause are underway, with a focus on safety protocols in the aviation industry.
On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, designated as Flight AI171, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, lost communication with air traffic control less than a minute after departure, descending rapidly and eventually colliding with a medical college complex in the city. The crash site transformed into a scene of chaos as dozens of individuals, including students on campus for lunch, attempted to escape by jumping from upper floors, many suffering serious injuries. Reports indicated that at least one passenger from the plane managed to survive the disaster. As emergency services rushed to the scene, flames engulfed both the aircraft and the hostel, further complicating rescue efforts. Families mourned in desperation over lost loved ones, as eyewitnesses described a deafening explosion akin to a bomb blast when the plane struck the building. Grief enveloped the community, particularly in the neighborhood surrounding the crash site, where many on the ground were also victims of the inferno. Investigators and aviation experts quickly began a probe into the frightening incident, with a U.S. team set to assist with the investigation. The aircraft had departed from Ahmedabad Airport just minutes before and was reported to be operating under Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot. As further investigations unfolded, questions emerged regarding the cause of the crash; initial assessments noted irregularities such as the plane's landing gear being deployed at an inappropriate altitude. The national and international response highlighted the massive loss of life, with tributes pouring in for victims on various platforms, as relatives searched for answers. In the aftermath, the Indian government announced plans for support toward the affected families and the injured. As investigations escalated, the aviation community prepared to analyze the flight data recorder, which could soon clarify the tragic events of that fateful day, marking it as India's deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. The emotional toll of the crash will linger, raising awareness about aviation safety and the devastating impact of such tragedies on families and communities alike.