- Lone survivor identified himself as seat 11A passenger
- Dead include Former Gujarat CM Rupani
- Flights crashes on BJ Medical College Hostel killing many on ground
New Delhi. 12 June 2025. In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history, Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing all 240 out of 241 passengers and 19 crew members aboard. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Heathrow, tragically collided with the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghani Nagar, leading to additional casualties on the ground and widespread devastation.
Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was on board AI171. A seasoned political leader and respected figure in Indian public life, Rupani’s death sent shockwaves across the nation. Tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum, remembering him as a visionary who shaped Gujarat’s economic and infrastructural landscape.
The crash also wreaked havoc on the ground. The aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel just 30 seconds after takeoff, igniting a massive fireball. The impact leveled a section of the hostel’s residential block and mess area, where dozens of students and staff had gathered for lunch. At least 19 people on the ground lost their lives, including four medical students and several interns, while over 60 others were injured. Eyewitnesses described the scene as apocalyptic, with shattered glass, collapsed structures, and the air thick with smoke and screams. Many students narrowly escaped with injuries, with one describing it as “a miracle” they survived the explosion.
Both the Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and MoS (Civil Aviation) Murlidhar Mohol reached the site , offering condolences to grieving families and inspecting relief operations. PM Modi declared a state of mourning in Gujarat and assured full support from the Centre. “This is a national tragedy. The loss of so many lives, including one of Gujarat’s most dedicated leaders, Shri Vijay Rupani, is deeply painful,” he said. Minister Naidu, who oversaw relief efforts, announced a full investigation into the cause of the crash and pledged stringent measures to enhance aviation safety.
Emergency response teams, NDRF units, and local authorities worked around the clock to contain the fire, recover remains, and aid survivors. Hospitals in the vicinity, particularly Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, were placed on high alert and treated dozens of the injured, including medical students from the hostel.
The AI171 tragedy has left a deep scar on the nation. As investigations continue, the spotlight is once again on India’s aviation safety standards and emergency preparedness. The catastrophic loss of lives — in the sky and on the ground — will long be remembered as a dark chapter in India’s civil aviation history.
