Air India plane crashes into medical hostel, wreckage stuck in building

Air India's London-bound flight crashed near Ahmedabad, with wreckage seen on a medical hostel building, as eyewitness videos flood social media

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed within minutes of takeoff on Wednesday afternoon. The wreckage, as seen in visuals shared by PTI, landed on the intern doctors' hostel building of BJ Medical College, triggering panic and chaos in the area.

 

VIDEO | Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Visuals show a part of the crashed Air India's AI-171 aircraft atop a building.  (Disclaimer: PTI can not verify the authenticity of the video)  (Source: Third party) pic.twitter.com/sgxfo6Z5cm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025

 

The aircraft, which took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm, crashed into a residential zone in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar barely five minutes later. A large portion of the plane, with its landing gear visibly attached, was seen lodged atop the medical hostel building, according to eyewitness accounts and video footage.

 

 

VIDEO | Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Video shows destroyed parts of AI-171 and half-burnt luggage of those onboard the ill-fated aircraft that crashed near a residential area at around 2 pm on Thursday.#planecrash #AhmedabadPlaneCrash  (Disclaimer: Disturbing visuals. Viewers… pic.twitter.com/A0r6aKKroy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025

 

The flight was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew. According to Air India, the aircraft had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens on board.

 

"Those injured are being taken to hospitals," said an official statement from the airline. “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,” the airline added. 

 

UK Embassy responds

 

Responding to the incident, the British High Commission in India issued a statement acknowledging that 53 of its nationals were on board the ill-fated flight.

 

“We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” the UK Embassy stated. 

 

PM Modi takes stock, minister rushing to site

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and taken a detailed briefing on the situation. The Prime Minister has directed the minister to ensure that all necessary support is provided immediately and to keep him regularly updated.

 

Naidu expressed his deep shock over the crash and confirmed he is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations.

 

"Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," the minister posted on X.

 

As emergency crews continue to work at the site, authorities are still determining the cause of the crash. Investigations are underway, with more updates expected soon.