The air tragedy involving Air India flight 171 has triggered a surge in Google searches, with questions like: why did the Air India plane crash?, were there any survivors? and where did the accident happen? multiplying within hours. As authorities investigate, here is what is known so far about the devastating crash that has left India in mourning and the world on alert.
Where did the Air India flight 171 crash occur?
The crash happened shortly after takeoff, at 1:38 p.m. local time, near the Ahmedabad airport in the state of Gujarat. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, plunged into a residential area within the campus of B. J. Medical College.
According to witnesses and videos shared by local media, the sky quickly filled with thick black smoke columns. Flames reached nearby buildings as firefighters raced to extinguish the fire.
The New York Times referred to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) official, the ruling party in the state, who explained that the aircraft crashed directly into the university premises. “It suffered an accident today after takeoff,” confirmed Air India via its social media accounts.
Sebuah pesawat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner milik Air India terhempas pada jam 8.08 UTC, beberapa saat selepas berlepas.
Kapal terbang itu dalam perjalanan dari Lapangan Terbang Ahmedabad menuju ke Lapangan Terbang Gatwick di London.
Pesawat itu membawa seramai 242 penumpang… pic.twitter.com/mYf1rRseba
— Hezeri Samsuri (@HezeriSamsuri) June 12, 2025
How many passengers were on the Air India plane and what were their nationalities?
In total, the flight was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew. According to official figures from Air India, on board were 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Among the passengers was a well-known political figure: Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat until 2021, whose name was confirmed by his party’s authorities.
— Hezeri Samsuri (@HezeriSamsuri) June 12, 2025
Were there any survivors after the plane crash?
Initial reports did not provide clear information about survivors. Later, India’s Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, confirmed that “many people” had died, without specifying an exact figure at that moment.
The airline stated that the injured were being transported to local hospitals for treatment. The Federation of the Indian Medical Association reported that between 50 and 60 students were admitted to various hospitals, while at least five students died in the impact.
One passenger actually survived the Air India crash.
The survivor has been identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen who was visiting Gujarat and was en route back to London.
According to officials, Ramesh was found alive in Seat 11A, and was swiftly taken to a… pic.twitter.com/ychxIVVV1Q
— Hezeri Samsuri (@HezeriSamsuri) June 12, 2025
What happened at B. J. Medical College?
One of the most devastating aspects of the accident was its direct impact on the B. J. Medical College and Hospital. The plane crashed into the dining hall of the student residence, where between 60 and 80 students were present.
Dean Minakshi Parikh confirmed that “most of the students escaped, but 10 or 12 were trapped in the fire.” She added that “the smoke was very dense” and hampered rescue efforts.
In addition, the Medical Association reported that four or five students are still missing, and another two or three are in intensive care. The disappearance of three or four relatives of resident doctors was also reported. Sadly, the wife of one resident was found dead.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Audio between the pilot of Air India flight 171 and tower control was released. pic.twitter.com/9bZaj0BQ8b
— David Santa Carla 🦇 (@TheOnlyDSC) June 12, 2025
What caused the Air India plane crash?
So far, the exact cause of the crash has not been determined. Authorities have launched a technical investigation, while Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, issued a statement saying it is “aware of the initial reports regarding the Air India collision” and is “working to gather more information.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has a generally strong safety record. Until this incident, no total loss of this model, known as a “hull loss,” had been recorded, according to Boeing’s most recent annual report published in April 2025.
@dailymail This terrifying new footage shows the ill-fated Air India jet taking off and then falling from the sky seconds later as it seems to lose power. At least 242 people lost their lives in the tragic accident. Read the full story on DailyMail.com #news #breakingnews #airindia #plane #aviation
Is the Boeing Dreamliner aircraft safe?
Despite its safety reputation, the Dreamliner model has not been free of controversy. Last November, a flight operated by Latam Airlines “experienced a sudden drop while in cruising phase,” resulting in two passengers being seriously injured, according to Boeing records.
Additionally, in 2024, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation following complaints from engineer Sam Salehpour, who claimed that some fuselage components could break mid-flight. Boeing stated it had conducted rigorous testing and concluded that “this is not an immediate flight safety issue” and that it maintains “full confidence” in the safety of the Dreamliner.
Regarding the Air India aircraft, it is known to be over ten years old, although the total number of flight hours has not been disclosed.
@dailymail Police anticipate that there are no survivors on the Gatwick-bound Boeing that crashed in India this morning carrying 242 passengers. A senior police officer told reporters at the scene, ‘The building on which it has crashed is a doctors’ hostel… we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon.’ Tap the link for the full story on DailyMail.com. Link in bio. #news #breakingnews #airindia #plane #aviation
How did Air India and Tata Group respond to the tragedy?
Air India, now owned by Tata Group since 2022, expressed deep sorrow over the accident. The parent company, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, announced it would provide ₹1 crore (approximately US$116,868) to each family who lost a loved one in the crash.
“It will also cover the medical expenses of the injured and ensure they receive all the necessary care and support,” the company added in a message posted on X. Furthermore, Tata Group committed to assisting in the reconstruction of the student dormitory at B. J. Medical College.
What previous accidents has Air India suffered?
Air India has worked to improve its image following a series of incidents more than a decade ago. In 2020, a flight operated by Air India Express skidded off a wet runway in Kerala, resulting in the death of 17 people.
In 2010, another fatal accident occurred in Mangalore, where a plane caught fire after overrunning the hilltop runway. More than 150 people died.
Since Tata Group regained control, the airline had begun a phase of modernization and professionalization—suddenly interrupted by this tragedy.
@dailymail Replying to @rarei.c Footage shows smoke rising from the site of a plane crash in India this afternoon. The Air India aircraft bound for London is believed to have crashed into a residential area with 242 on board. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but emergency services are en route to the scene in the hopes of finding survivors, but the scale of the damage displayed in early images suggests there are likely to be heavy casualties. Read the full story at DailyMail.com ? Viral Press #plane #crash #flight #airindia #india #scary #london #smoke
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