A London-bound Air India Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed into a residential complex just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing more than 100 and sparking a fiery scene of chaos, rescue and national mourning.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight 171, lifted off from runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time and issued a distress "Mayday" call seconds later before disappearing from radar. Eyewitness footage captured the plane banking awkwardly over rooftops before a massive fireball erupted, sending thick black smoke spiraling over the city.
The aircraft slammed into a hostel building belonging to the B.J. Medical College, setting part of the dormitory ablaze. Police said most of the recovered bodies were charred beyond recognition. Among the victims were several medical students, authorities confirmed.
“It crashed on top of the dining area,” a senior officer told reporters. “We’ve cleared 70% to 80% of the site.”
This photo shared by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) shows debris of a plane that crashed, Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo)
