World3 min(s) read
Published 10:59 12 Jun 2025 GMT
The pilot of an Air India flight carrying 242 people issued a "mayday" signal before crashing just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was headed for London’s Gatwick Airport when it went down in a residential area known as Meghani Nagar at 1:38PM local time.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the plane lost signal at 10:08AM local time, just 625 feet off the ground and less than a minute after takeoff.
The aircraft, which had 230 passengers and 12 crew on board, crashed into a densely populated section of Ahmedabad, with eyewitnesses reporting wreckage embedded in buildings and massive plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site.
Reports from local media channels showed smoke from the crash site near the airport. In addition to this, social media was flooded with disturbing images showing chunks of fuselage and the tail of the aircraft wedged between shattered concrete and debris.
Aviation expert Julian Bray told Sky News that the pilot reportedly managed to issue a mayday signal, which is an internationally recognized distress alert indicating imminent danger and a need for immediate assistance.
This would mean the crew had realized something was wrong before the aircraft went down.
According to NDTV, the pilot had 8,200 hours of flying experience, while the co-pilot had logged 1,100 hours - together totaling nearly 10,000 hours in the air.
All flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad were temporarily suspended in the wake of the tragedy, with India’s Chief Minister of Gujarat revealing that “immediate rescue and relief operations” were underway and that a “green corridor” had been set up to quickly transport the injured for treatment.
"All necessary medical arrangements are made at the hospital on priority."
Air India also released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), which read: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals," they added.
Chairman of Air India, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, expressed his sorrow in a public statement: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event."
It was later confirmed that of the 242 on board, only one person survived - Vishwash Kumar Ramesh - who walked out of the wreckage.
He had been sitting in seat 11A, close to the emergency exit, and was able to free himself after the plane crashed into a building, though his brother who was seated five seats away tragically died.
A further 19 people were also confirmed to have died on the ground after the plane landed on the student hostels of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, around a mile away from the runway.
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world news3 min(s) read
Published 10:04 13 Jun 2025 GMT
In a chilling Mayday call, the pilot of the doomed Air India flight from Ahmedabad made one final plea for help, moments before the aircraft crashed into a doctors' hostel, killing nearly everyone on board.
The veteran pilot, who had more than 8,200 hours of flight experience, tried desperately to keep the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in the air, but it wasn’t enough, The Mirror reports.
As previously reported, the aircraft began to stall just 625 feet off the ground within seconds of taking off for London Gatwick on Thursday. Flight tracking data shows that control was lost in a terrifying 17-second window, before the plane plummeted and exploded on impact.
“Mayday... no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,” Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was heard telling air traffic control, according to early reports, according to the London Evening Standard.
The crash site, a doctors’ hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, was left in ruins. Rescue workers have confirmed that the death toll has now surpassed 290, with passengers, crew, and people on the ground all among the victims.
Remarkably, one man survived.
40-year-old British father, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, somehow made it out alive. He was travelling with his brother Ajay, who tragically did not survive. Vishwash was later seen limping through the wreckage before being rushed to hospital with chest, foot and eye injuries.
Of the 242 people onboard, 232 passengers and 10 crew, Vishwash is the only known survivor.
The devastating scale of the tragedy is still unfolding. Among the victims are 53 British nationals, 169 Indian citizens, seven Portuguese passengers, and one Canadian.
A young British family from Gloucester was also among those lost, 36-year-old recruitment consultant Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, 30, and their four-year-old daughter Sara.
The Gloucester Muslim Community released a statement saying: “We are profoundly heartbroken by the devastating loss of life. During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.”
Also among the dead were 55-year-old Raxa Modha from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and her two-year-old grandson, Rudra.
Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough, added: “May their memories be a blessing, and may we come together to support one another in this time of grief.”
Heartbreaking CCTV footage of the crash, now circulating online, shows the aircraft lifting off before spiralling downward in a fatal dive, erupting in a fireball.
Investigations are ongoing into what caused the catastrophic engine failure. Air India released a brief statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates on our website.”
For now, the world mourns, and one man is left with the impossible task of healing after surviving what no one else did.
uk3 min(s) read
Published 09:25 12 Jun 2025 GMT
A plane carrying 244 people heading to London has crashed after take-off in Ahmedabad, India.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, lost control shortly after leaving the runway before coming down in the Meghani area of the city.
The signal was lost at 10:08 local time at 625 feet, less than a minute after take-off, per BBC News.
Shocking images circulating on social media capture a massive trail of smoke rising ominously from the crash site near the international airport.
Witnesses report seeing chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.
As rescuers rush to the scene, the cause of the crash remains unclear. Emergency services have been dispatched, and more details are expected soon.
In response, Air India issued a statement on X: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad‑London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told the Associated Press that there was 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard.
In a statement posted on X, Air India's chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he added.
"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.
"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."
The plane was due to land at Gatwick Airport, London, at 6:25PM local time.
In a statement on X, Gatwick Airport said: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."
Per BBC News, the Chief Minister of Gujarat has stated that "immediate rescue and relief operations" are underway.
He added: "I have also instructed officials to arrange a green corridor to transport the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all necessary medical arrangements are made at the hospital on priority."
All flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad have been suspended until further notice.
world3 min(s) read
Published 10:21 12 Jun 2025 GMT
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight carrying 242 people to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India.
Flight AI171 lost control just seconds after departing around 10:08AM local time, when its transponder signal disappeared at an altitude of 625 feet, less than a minute after take-off, per BBC News.
Witnesses and shocking social media images showed a massive trail of smoke engulfing the crash site near the airport, with chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail embedded in a demolished building.
Local emergency services and rescuers are rapidly responding, though the cause of the disaster remains unknown.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad‑London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
The airline’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, added on X: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
According to the Associated Press via Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the flight carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Per Sky News, Air India gave an update regarding those on board: "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
"Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident."
Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight, which had a scheduled landing time of 6:25PM local, had crashed on departure.
Gujarat’s Chief Minister reported that “immediate rescue and relief operations” are underway, with officials instructed to “arrange a green corridor to transport the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all necessary medical arrangements are made at the hospital on priority.”
In light of the severity of the incident, all flights from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been suspended until further notice.
The captain, who had 8,200 hours of flight experience, called a mayday shortly after takeoff, but there has been no contact since the plane crashed into a residential area.
world3 min(s) read
Published 11:18 12 Jun 2025 GMT
Warning: This article contains footage that some readers may find distressing
New footage on social media shows the moment that an Air India flight tragically crashed into a residential area.
Air India Flight AI171 - a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew en route to London Gatwick went down just moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India.
According to BBC News, the flight took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:08AM local time.
But within less than a minute, disaster struck. The aircraft’s transponder signal disappeared at just 625 feet above the ground.
The plane then crashed into a densely populated residential area, sending a towering plume of smoke into the sky and leaving wreckage scattered across demolished buildings.
Shocking images from the scene, shared widely on social media, reveal the magnitude of the destruction.
Watch below:
Air India issued a statement confirming the nationalities of those on board: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
"Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident."
According to Reuters, 217 adults and 11 children were traveling on the flight.
Reactions have flooded in from across the world, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating on X: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.
"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the horrifying events in a public statement, saying: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."
Reports also confirm that King Charles is being kept informed of the unfolding tragedy.
According to Sky News, the plane crashed into a doctors' hostel, and around 30 bodies have reportedly been pulled from the rubble so far.
Others have been found alive and have been taken to the hospital.
At the time of writing, one passenger from the plane has been found alive and was able to walk away from the crash site.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was sitting in seat 11A, told the Hindustan Times: "Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly."
"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran," he added. "There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."
In the wake of the tragedy, all outgoing flights from Ahmedabad’s international airport have been suspended until further notice.
Rescue efforts are ongoing.
world4 min(s) read
Published 08:55 13 Jun 2025 GMT
A former pilot has shed light on the apparent spike in plane incidents following the recent Air India tragedy.
The latest disaster unfolded on June 12 when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a doctors’ hostel in Meghani Nagar shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft issued a mayday call at just 625 feet altitude before its transponder went silent, and eyewitnesses reported a massive fireball that engulfed buildings and sent plumes of smoke through the sky.
Although over 200 bodies have been recovered, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik has confirmed that there is one survivor - British passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A.
Ramesh described the chilling crash to Hindustan Times, saying: “Thirty seconds after take‑off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
He recalled staggering from the wreckage: “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran,” before being rushed to the hospital with impact injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet. He confirmed his brother was also on board.
As rescue and investigation efforts continue, aviation expert Shawn Pruchnicki - the former Delta Connection pilot and current Ohio State University assistant professor - warns that AI171 is just the latest in a concerning trend.
In his interview with the Daily Mail, he highlighted the “safety buffer” in aviation that has “eroded in recent years,” pointing to defective planes passing through manufacturing, referencing two fatal crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 that claimed 346 lives.
He also expressed deep concern over closer-than-safe encounters in flight paths, noting: “If planes come within a couple of miles of each other, we start to worry… Any distance noted in feet counts as within a hair’s breadth of disaster!”
Pruchnicki recalls his own close call at JFK Airport, where a taxiing aircraft “blasted through” in front of his plane despite controllers clearing them to cross, underscoring the fatigue and stress placed on air traffic controllers.
He urges action: “We need more qualified candidates in the pipeline for air traffic controllers,” and insists that safety recommendations from the NTSB must be enforced, while the FAA needs stronger funding.
The former pilot said developing technology as a way to assist pilots is another area he believes must be pursued.
Air India confirmed all 242 people on board, including 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national, were accounted for in the crash.
Tata Sons, the airline’s owner, has pledged compensation to the families of the deceased, covered medical treatment for the injured, and promised to help rebuild the destroyed hostel.
Boeing has stated that it is in contact with Air India and is offering its full support during the investigation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken out, describing the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words,” while civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated” and directed emergency agencies to mobilize immediately.
Pruchnicki emphasized that air travel remains the safest mode of transport, but warned that the series of high-profile incidents this year has shaken public confidence, and he insists more must be done to prevent further tragedies.
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