More than 200 people are feared dead after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday. Officials say there are likely no survivors among the 242 passengers and crew.
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
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, issued a Mayday call before losing contact under a minute into the flight. It struck a doctors’ hostel, setting off a massive fire. Police Commissioner G.S. Malik told AP that locals may also have perished in the crash.
Air India said 169 Indian and 53 British nationals were aboard, alongside others. A reception center has been set up at Gatwick Airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking,” and King Charles expressed deep shock. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed crisis teams are in place to assist families.
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
