Boeing 787-8 Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad: Over 100 Dead in One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Bound for London, Air India Crashes Shortly After Takeoff, Claiming Over 100 Lives in One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters

In a devastating turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, resulting in the tragic deaths of more than 100 people. The flight, Air India Flight 146, was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board. The crash marks the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787-8 model.

The Air India Crash Scene

The plane, which had taken off in clear weather conditions, crashed just minutes into its journey, spiralling into a residential area near the airport. Local authorities confirmed that the crash site was in a doctor’s hostel, where the wreckage of the plane caused significant damage. Approximately 30 to 35 bodies have been recovered from the building, though the full scale of the damage is still unfolding.

Eyewitnesses report hearing a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the site. Emergency teams and local police rushed to the scene immediately, while firefighting efforts continued throughout the night. The plane’s black box has been recovered, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Victims and Survivors

Among the 242 people aboard the flight, many were foreign nationals, and authorities are working to identify the victims. The airline has confirmed that there were no survivors, with more than 100 casualties reported. The tragic loss of life has left the city and the nation in shock.

The Air India Crash incident marks one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India in recent memory, and a national investigation will be launched to determine whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the crash. This is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, raising serious concerns about the safety of the aircraft model.

Immediate Reactions of the Air India Crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, calling the incident a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and offering his support to the victims’ families. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives. The government is providing all necessary assistance to the families of the victims,” he said.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

Air India has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has established a helpline for families affected by the disaster. The airline has also offered to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased.

Authorities Respond

A senior aviation official said, “The cause of the Air India Crash is still under investigation, and we are gathering all possible information from the flight’s black box and data recordings.”

The Air India Crash has raised questions about air safety protocols and the maintenance of aircraft, as the Boeing 787-8 is relatively new in the aviation industry. Investigators will focus on whether the plane’s recent service history, crew training, and weather conditions could have played a role.

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