A Routine Takeoff Turned Catastrophic
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tail number VT-ANB, lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:38 p.m. IST. Just 62 seconds into its ascent, the pilot issued a distress call—”Mayday”—as the aircraft reached an altitude of only 625 feet. Within moments, the plane nosedived and crashed into a densely populated area in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood of Ahmedabad, striking a doctors’ hostel near B.J. Medical College.
A massive explosion followed, sending fire and black smoke billowing into the sky, igniting fears of casualties beyond the aircraft.
Fatal Toll
Initial reports from local authorities confirm over 204 bodies have been recovered, with more feared buried in the debris. Police have stated there were “no apparent survivors” among the 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. However, in a miraculous development, one passenger seated in 11A is believed to have survived by leaping from the aircraft before the impact—though their condition and full story remain unconfirmed.
Victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the United Kingdom, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, along with flight crew.
Local residents were also affected. The doctors’ hostel hit by the aircraft housed young medical professionals, and at least a dozen are feared dead or injured. Rescue workers are still combing the rubble.
Emergency Response and Political Reactions
Emergency services responded immediately, battling flames and securing the area. The airport temporarily suspended operations as crews rushed to assist and investigate.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow, calling the crash “a national tragedy,” and has ordered a full-scale inquiry. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Pope Leo XIV also extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Tata Group Responds
Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has announced ₹1 crore (approx. £86,000/$120,000) in compensation per deceased victim and pledged to cover all medical and recovery costs for affected families. The company also committed to rebuilding the hostel struck in the crash.
This marks the first fatal hull loss involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a disturbing milestone for an aircraft previously considered among the safest in its class.
The Investigation Begins
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation, joined by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators are combing through black box data, maintenance logs, and the pilot’s communication recordings to determine what caused the rapid descent.
Preliminary reports suggest no foul weather or external interference, raising concerns about possible mechanical or software failures.
This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of air travel. As families across India, the UK, and beyond mourn, the world waits for answers. Meanwhile, the city of Ahmedabad grapples with the dual loss of its citizens in the air and on the ground.
Black Westchester will continue to follow developments as they unfold.
