A devastating plane crash shook Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday after Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the student dining hall of B J Medical College shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The ill-fated aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals, when it lost communication with air traffic control just minutes after departure.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of horror and destruction as the aircraft tore through the student mess hall during lunchtime. “This is a horrific scene.
The plane just came out of nowhere and crashed into the student mess hall,” one eyewitness told reporters. “There are multiple injuries, and it’s chaos everywhere.”
The crash site, located approximately 2 kilometers from the airport’s runway, is engulfed in smoke and debris. Firefighters are battling the ensuing blaze while twisted wreckage and scorched stone are scattered throughout the area. The tail section of the aircraft has reportedly landed on the roof of a nearby residential building.
A student who survived the incident recounted the terrifying moment: “We were having lunch when we heard a loud noise. The building shook, and there was smoke everywhere.”
According to reports from The Mirror, several students suffered injuries and have been transported to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, where emergency personnel are treating victims.
A doctor at the hospital confirmed, “We’re doing everything we can to treat the injured, but the situation is dire.”
While official casualty figures are still unconfirmed, authorities acknowledge the scale of the disaster. “We’re still trying to assess the damage and determine the number of casualties,” an official told media outlets.
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Ahmedabad Police have confirmed the crash into the medical college hostel, though they are yet to release the number of student casualties.
All flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been temporarily suspended in the wake of the disaster.
In a statement, Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” he said.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide support and care to those impacted.”
An emergency response center and support team have been set up by the airline to provide updates and assistance to the families of those on board.
Flight AI 171: Timeline and Details; Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner; Flight Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick; Scheduled Arrival: 18:25 BST; Total Onboard: 242 (including crew); Nationalities: Indian (169), British (53), Portuguese (7), Canadian (1).
Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local emergency services, are launching a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
