In a tragic development following Thursday’s catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI171, reports now suggest that all 242 people on board have died, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, as cited by the Associated Press. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick and crashed shortly after takeoff around 1:39 PM IST.
The plane, registered VT-ANB, carried 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and 2 pilots. Authorities confirm that the aircraft gave a MAYDAY call shortly after liftoff but failed to respond to subsequent ATC communications. It fell near Meghaninagar, just outside the airport perimeter, igniting a massive blaze visible from surrounding areas.
Tragically, the toll on the ground is also mounting. According to officials and news agencies, five medical students from BJ Medical College have died, and several others are injured after the aircraft crashed into a section of the college’s hostel. Among the deceased are four undergraduate students and one postgraduate resident.
The death toll now stands at 247 confirmed fatalities — 242 from the aircraft and 5 from the hostel crash site. The number may rise as rescue teams continue sifting through the debris.
Nationwide Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to rush to the crash site. Emergency response teams remain deployed, and an emergency centre has been activated by Air India for families seeking information.
Background and Context
The plane was piloted by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. The incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 since its commercial debut — a fleet previously known for strong safety performance.
Earlier reports had also indicated the presence of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on board, though some claims remain unverified after a tweet by MP Parimal Nathwani was deleted.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and the DGCA and Boeing have initiated formal inquiries.
