Ahmedabad: Flight AI-171 ends in horror seconds after liftoff

Himachalscape bureau Published: June 12, 2025 | Updated: June 12, 2025 3 minutes read

Shimla/Ahmedabad, June 12,

Contents

A tragic aviation disaster in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon has left the Nation shocked and grieving. An Air India B787 aircraft, VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff, killing several people and injuring many others. The aircraft fell just outside the airport perimeter and directly impacted the undergraduate hostel mess of BJ Medical College in the city’s Meghaninagar area, claiming the lives of numerous MBBS students.

According to preliminary reported information, the aircraft took off at 1:39 PM IST from runway 23. Within seconds, it issued a “Mayday” distress call to Air Traffic Control, after which all contact ceased. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the crash site shortly after the impact.

There were 242 individuals on board, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was accompanied by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours of flight time. Both are feared to have died in the crash, though official confirmation is awaited.

Reacting to the tragedy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has mourned death of over 200 persons reported to have been killed in the plane crash at Ahmedabad. “The tragedy has left us all speechless and we are saddened over the heart-rending incident,” they stated.

The Chief Minister said that the people of the Himachal Pradesh and the country stand together to pray for peace of the departed souls and to provide strength to their family members to bear the irreparable loss. Mukesh Agnihotri in his condolence message also expressed grief over the causalities of Medical hostel students who were having lunch when the plane crashed over the building of the hostel.

Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Calling the accident “heart-wrenching and soul-shattering,” he prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength for their families to bear the loss. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

Condolences are pouring in from across the country, as emergency response teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and local authorities work tirelessly at the scene. Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have reached the site and have begun a detailed investigation. The Prime Minister’s Office has also sought a full report on the incident and assured all possible assistance.

The tragedy has not only raised serious concerns over possible technical failure and wildlife hazards around airports but has also put a spotlight on the environmental and safety protocols in the aviation sector. As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives—especially those of young medical students—the full scope and cause of the disaster will only be known after a thorough probe.

For now, the country stands United in grief, remembering those lost in one of the most devastating aviation accidents in recent memory.

Himachalscape bureau

Administrator

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

View All Posts

Himachalscape bureau