Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Calls for Accountability and Investigation
Demand for Investigation Following Air India Flight 171 Tragedy
In the wake of the devastating crash of Air India flight 171 near Ahmedabad, a local resident at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He urged Air India to accept full accountability, questioning how such a tragedy could occur despite advancements in aviation technology.
He expressed his concerns, stating, "How many passengers were aboard that flight to London? What about the children? This incident demands a thorough inquiry. Is human life so undervalued? Air India must take responsibility for this situation."
He further remarked, "We purchase tickets, invest our money, and place our trust in the airline with our lives. This trust carries a significant responsibility. Air India needs to take decisive action against those accountable for this disaster. How could such an event happen with all the available technology?"
Air India confirmed that a total of 241 individuals, including 12 crew members, lost their lives in the tragic crash of the Boeing 787-8. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, where the aircraft collided with a building housing resident doctors. Remarkably, one survivor, a British national of Indian descent, was reported.
The flight, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, had on board 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, piloted the aircraft, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It issued a Mayday call but subsequently failed to respond to ATC communications.
Shortly after leaving Runway 23, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, with officials reporting heavy black smoke rising from the site.
In response to the tragedy, the Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each victim.