On June 12, 2025, an Air India passenger plane, carrying 242 individuals, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off around 1:40 p.m., faced a catastrophic incident that has left India's health minister reporting “many people” dead, with no immediate confirmation of survivors.
The aircraft, with 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian onboard, had to abort its flight only moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. After the crash, the airport ceased all operations. Authorities mobilized rescue teams to the scene, where footage indicated an urgent firefighting effort against flames engulfing parts of the aircraft, now a smoldering wreck near a local medical college.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartbreak over the incident on social media, extending thoughts to those affected, while the chairman of Air India pledged to support all impacted families and coordinate with emergency services.
A preliminary investigation has come to light, as local officials revealed that the plane had struck a dining facility at B.J. Medical College when around 60 to 80 students were present, tragically resulting in the deaths of at least five students, according to the college's dean, Minakshi Parikh. Recovery operations faced obstacles due to thick smoke in the area, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
Britain's Foreign Secretary conveyed deep sorrow over the crash, emphasizing the United Kingdom’s cooperation with Indian authorities to ascertain facts and provide necessary assistance to British citizens in India.
This incident has intensified scrutiny surrounding Boeing, particularly its 787 Dreamliner safety record, following allegations of operational issues and a recent legal settlement concerning their 737 Max planes' crashes. Boeing stated they are gathering further details on the Ahmedabad incident as they work to address the concerns posed by this latest tragedy.
Amidst an atmosphere of shock and concern, rescue efforts continue, with fire crews on-site battling the aftermath of the crash and community support pouring in for victims and their families.
The aircraft, with 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian onboard, had to abort its flight only moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. After the crash, the airport ceased all operations. Authorities mobilized rescue teams to the scene, where footage indicated an urgent firefighting effort against flames engulfing parts of the aircraft, now a smoldering wreck near a local medical college.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartbreak over the incident on social media, extending thoughts to those affected, while the chairman of Air India pledged to support all impacted families and coordinate with emergency services.
A preliminary investigation has come to light, as local officials revealed that the plane had struck a dining facility at B.J. Medical College when around 60 to 80 students were present, tragically resulting in the deaths of at least five students, according to the college's dean, Minakshi Parikh. Recovery operations faced obstacles due to thick smoke in the area, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
Britain's Foreign Secretary conveyed deep sorrow over the crash, emphasizing the United Kingdom’s cooperation with Indian authorities to ascertain facts and provide necessary assistance to British citizens in India.
This incident has intensified scrutiny surrounding Boeing, particularly its 787 Dreamliner safety record, following allegations of operational issues and a recent legal settlement concerning their 737 Max planes' crashes. Boeing stated they are gathering further details on the Ahmedabad incident as they work to address the concerns posed by this latest tragedy.
Amidst an atmosphere of shock and concern, rescue efforts continue, with fire crews on-site battling the aftermath of the crash and community support pouring in for victims and their families.
