One Survivor Found in Air India Plane Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport

Hemani Kandhari 

Ahmedabad, June 12 : A major Air India plane crash took place near Ahmedabad today when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a doctors' hostel shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members.

According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, one person has been found alive. “The survivor was sitting in seat 11A. He has been taken to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment,” Malik said. He added that the number of people who died is still unknown, and the death toll could rise since the plane crashed into a residential area.

The flight, AI171, was headed to London Gatwick and took off at 1:38 PM. Soon after takeoff, the plane lost contact with air traffic control after sending a mayday (emergency) signal. It then crashed just outside the airport boundary, hitting a building that houses doctors.

Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathore told the media that the crash happened near the airport and the doctors’ hostel suffered serious damage.

Air India confirmed the crash in an official statement. The airline said there were 230 passengers on board — 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. A dedicated helpline number has been set up for relatives and others seeking more information: 1800 5691 444.

After the crash, thick black smoke was seen rising from the site. Rescue teams rushed to the area to help. The Gujarat government has sent three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, with a total of 90 members, to carry out the rescue operations.

Ahmedabad City Police have also released an emergency helpline number for updates and assistance: 07925620359.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, and rescue work is ongoing.