Ahmedabad Air India Boeing 787 Crash – Full Timeline & PM Modi’s Response

June 12, 2025: Air India Boeing 787-8 Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport Read In Hindi

Published: June 12, 2025

1. Crash Overview – Time, Flight, Aircraft

On June 12, 2025, at 13:38 IST, Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB)—departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. Within seconds after takeoff, at approximately 625 feet altitude, radar and transponder contact were lost, and the aircraft plunged into the Meghani Nagar area, sparking a massive fireball shortly after issuing a Mayday call from the cockpit 1.

Authorities quickly confirmed that, of the 242 occupants (230 passengers, including 11 children and 2 infants, and 12 crew members), over 200 lives were lost, with initial figures indicating at least 204 bodies recovered from both the aircraft and the ground impact zone 2.

2. Victims & Demographics

• Total onboard: 242 (including 12 crew)
• Passengers: 230 (169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian) 3
• Crew: 12 (including Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with 8,200 hrs, and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hrs) 4
• Ground casualties: 5 confirmed dead (e.g., in medical college hostel) 5
• Injured: Over 40, including up to 60 medical students from hostel 6
• Survivors: 2 rescued—one reportedly a 40‑year‑old British national who exited via emergency window 7

3. Crash Site & Rescue Efforts

The aircraft crashed into the Meghani Nagar neighborhood near Ahmedabad Airport, impacting a building in the BJ Medical College hostel. The resulting explosion caused widespread destruction and black smoke visible miles away 8.

NDRF teams (≈90 personnel), CISF, state police, local fire services, Indian Army medical units, and paramedics were rapidly mobilized. A “green corridor” was established to speed victims to city hospitals 9.

4. Flight Timeline

1. 13:38 IST: AI171 takes off.
2. ~30–60 sec later: Transponder signal is lost around 625 ft altitude, followed by a Mayday call 10.
3. Immediately after: Aircraft nose‑dives into residential block, igniting a massive fire.
4. By 14:00 IST: Rescue teams arrive, medical evacuations start.

5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Response

PM Modi, posting on X (formerly Twitter), expressed deep sorrow:

“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.” 11

He declared a high-priority deployment of NDRF and emergency response teams and instructed all governments to provide necessary medical and logistical aid 12.

6. Global Reactions

• UK PM Keir Starmer: Called the event “devastating” with sympathy for British nationals onboard 13.
• King Charles III: Extended prayers and deepest sympathies to the victims’ families 14.
• Pope Leo XIV: Expressed heartfelt condolences and blessings for recovery 15.
• Other leaders: From Bangladesh, EU, Russia, France, Australia, Ireland – all shared deep sympathy and pledged support 16.
• Pilot Group (BALPA): Called for full, independent investigation to prevent recurrence 17.

7. Investigation & Technical Data

Investigators are analyzing flight data recorders (black boxes) and cockpit voice recordings. With landing gear still deployed and flaps unretracted at ‘last known altitude’, engine performance and aircraft configuration are being scrutinized 18.

The U.S. NTSB and UK authorities will assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Boeing is cooperating; its stock futures dropped ~5–9% after news of the crash 19.

8. Boeing 787 Safety History

This marks the first hull-loss and first fatal crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, introduced in 2009. Over 1,000 Dreamliners are in service globally 20.

Despite past scrutiny—e.g., fastener issues cited by FAA—this tragedy profoundly impacts Boeing’s safety reputation and ongoing global fleet confidence 21.

9. Impact on Ahmedabad Airport & Local Area

Ahmedabad Airport operations were temporarily suspended, resuming later that day once the wreckage was cleared 22.

Nearby residents recount terrifying footage of fiery blaze, charred debris, and emergency sirens. Medical facilities treated dozens of injured students and locals 23.

10. FAQs – Your Questions Answered

Q: How many casualties?

Over 200 lives lost—including at least 204 confirmed bodies—with additional ground fatalities. Two survivors are known so far 24.

Q: Was it the first Boeing 787 crash?

Yes, this is the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 series aircraft 25.

Q: Why did it crash?

No official cause yet; investigation is ongoing. Noted issues: landing gear was still down, flaps unretracted, engines under scrutiny 26.

Q: How did PM Modi respond?

He called it “heartbreaking beyond words”, deployed immediate rescue resources, communicated with state officials, and offered aid to victims and families 27.

Q: Is Boeing being held accountable?

U.S. NTSB and Indian AAIB are investigating. Boeing is cooperating; its stock dropped, and regulators (e.g., FAA) are reviewing prior airworthiness concerns 28.

Conclusion

The June 12 crash of AI171 near Ahmedabad is one of the most tragic events in recent aviation history. With hundreds of lives lost, international cooperation for rescue and investigation continues. Stay tuned for further updates as black box data is analyzed, the cause is determined, and global aviation reforms are considered.

— June 2025