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Date & Time: On June 12, 2025, at around 1:39 PM IST, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787–8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick.
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Crash Site: Within 30 seconds of takeoff, the aircraft lost control and crashed into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad.
2. Passengers and Crew
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Total Onboard: 242 individuals
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Passengers: 230
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Crew Members: 12
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Nationalities of Passengers:
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169 Indians
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53 British nationals
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7 Portuguese
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1 Canadian
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3. Cause of the Crash – What Went Wrong?
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While the official cause is under investigation, preliminary reports suggest:
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Possible engine failure shortly after takeoff.
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Communication with Air Traffic Control was lost within seconds.
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Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion before the aircraft nosedived.
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Black box and flight data recorder have been recovered and sent for analysis.
4. Casualties and Survivor
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Fatalities: All 269 people onboard were confirmed dead by rescue officials.
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Survivor: Miraculously, a 23-year-old student from the hostel building survived with serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.
5. Emergency Response
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The crash triggered a massive fire, and emergency services rushed to the scene.
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Over 30 fire engines, NDRF teams, and rescue units worked to extinguish the flames and retrieve bodies.
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Local hospitals were overwhelmed, and several bodies remain unrecognizable due to the fire.
6. Government Response
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and promised a high-level investigation.
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Air India and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) have grounded all Boeing 787s for inspection.
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Compensation of ₹25 lakh per deceased has been announced for the families.
7. Impact and Reactions
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Air India faces global scrutiny over aircraft safety protocols.
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Social media is flooded with condolences and outrage.
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International travel advisories may be updated in response to this tragedy.
Conclusion
This tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 has shaken the nation and aviation experts worldwide. As investigations continue, the focus must remain on supporting the victims' families, ensuring full transparency, and preventing such catastrophic failures in the future.
