Mid-Climb Emergency Leads to Crash
In a tragic turn of events, Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The flight was carrying over 169 Indian nationals, as well as 53 Britons, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.
A London-bound flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area, striking the residential quarters of the doctors’ hostel from BJ Medical College around noon on Thursday, June 12th, according to police, releasing a towering column of black smoke and prompting an immediate emergency response, resulting in the death of several medical students. Air India stated that the plane was en route to Gatwick Airport, located south of London. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. Fully fueled for a long-haul journey, the flight’s fuel load significantly intensified the explosion and subsequent fire after the crash. Photos and videos from the scene showed debris from the aircraft scattered around the building it struck, with the plane’s tail lodged on the rooftop.
Flight Details and Death Toll Confirmed
An Air India aircraft crashed between 1 PM and 2 PM IST after losing altitude and rapidly descending from 825 feet, losing 242 people. Authorities described it as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in the country’s history. Aviation tracking platform Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced passenger jets currently in operation. According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this was the first crash for the Dreamliner since it began commercial flights in 2011. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost altitude and crashed into a residential complex, damaging buildings, according to PTI sources. While unconfirmed, reports indicate injuries to residents near the airport. Fire engines and ambulances responded to the crash site for rescue operations. Officials have not yet released a statement on the suspected cause. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that the occupant of seat 11A survived and is currently receiving treatment. On the ground, at least 38-60 people in the hostel complex and surrounding areas were killed, with around 60 injured.
DGCA Preliminary Incident, “MAYDAY” Transmission, Crash Altitude, and Contributing Factors
The aircraft departed at 13:39 IST and issued a “MAYDAY” distress call at approximately 825 feet altitude, indicating a critical emergency. Air traffic control lost contact immediately after the transmission. The aircraft failed to climb and crashed just beyond the airport’s perimeter fence. Preliminary DGCA data suggests a catastrophic systems failure during the initial climb phase, possibly involving thrust loss or flight control malfunction. There were 242 people on board, including 15 crew members. Weather conditions were stable, with no wind shear or visibility issues reported. The aircraft, less than 10 years old, had undergone routine maintenance checks within the past 30 days. Emergency crews reached the site within minutes, though the impact left the fuselage severely damaged. The black box (FDR and CVR) has been recovered and sent to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for analysis. A joint probe involving the DGCA, AAIB, and Boeing is underway.
Official Statements Following the Incident
Our prime minister expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, stating on X that he has been in contact with ministers and officials involved in assisting those affected. He visited the sites on June 13 and met with the officials and team who work tirelessly in the aftermath. He expressed his condolences to all the bereaved families.
The UK government is working with India to establish facts and support those affected. It has issued a helpline for British nationals needing consular assistance or concerned about friends and family, stating on X, “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with the local authorities in India to establish the facts and provide support to those involved urgently. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 02070085000. UK government,”
In the aftermath of the incident, Union Minister Amit Shah held discussions with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. Chief Minister Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and instructed officials to accelerate rescue and relief efforts. In a post on X, he stated that he had directed the administration to provide immediate medical assistance to injured passengers and to establish a green corridor for their rapid transport to hospitals. “I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing,” he said.
