Felt like an earthquake, Ahmedabad resident relives AI-171 crash experience

ANI June 13, 2025 526 views

A resident near the crash site described the impact as earthquake-like before rushing to help. The Air India flight carrying 241 people crashed shortly after takeoff, with only one British-Indian survivor found so far. NDRF teams are conducting rescue operations while the Gujarat government and IMA coordinate medical response. The Tata Group has announced Rs 1 crore compensation for victims' families.

"When the crash happened, it felt like an earthquake. Immediately, we rushed to the site." - Ahmedabad resident
Ahmedabad, June 13: A resident living in a housing colony near the AI-171 crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recounted the moment, saying the impact felt like an earthquake. He added that they rushed to the scene immediately after the crash.

Key Points

1

AI-171 crashed into doctors' hostel after takeoff from Ahmedabad

2

241 dead including 169 Indians and 53 British nationals

3

NDRF deployed 6 teams for rescue operations

4

Tata Group offers Rs 1 crore compensation per victim

"When the crash happened, it felt like an earthquake. Immediately, we rushed to the site. "After hearing the loud sound from the crash, the public gathered nearby," he told ANI while recounting the moments of the crash.

Hariom Gandhi from the NDRF, who arrived at the AI-171 plane crash site, stated that six teams have been deployed and are actively carrying out operations on the ground.

"Our six teams are working on the ground. We cannot give any numbers until the site is completely cleared," he said.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA ) Gujarat said that its Gujarat unit is working in close collaboration with CM of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Ministers Rushikesh Patel & Harsh Sanghavi, Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi, senior IAS officers, government stakeholders, and Civil Hospital authorities.

"In a swift response to the tragic Ahmedabad Flight crash incident, IMA Gujarat is providing full on-ground support at the incident site & Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. The IMA Gujarat team is working in close collaboration with CM of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Ministers Rushikesh Patel & Harsh Sanghavi, Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi, senior IAS officers, government stakeholders, and Civil Hospital authorities as per their direct guidance to deliver the required medical aid & doctors' expertise," IMA said in a statement.

A total of 241 people onboard the Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, including 12 crew members, have died in the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India confirmed post-midnight on Friday.

The flight, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

The passenger plane crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat's Ahmedabad into a resident doctors' hostel building shortly after take-off.

Miraculously, one person has survived the deadly crash, the airline authorities said, adding that the survivor was a British national of Indian origin.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC.

Immediately after departing from Runway 23, the aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. An official stated that heavy black smoke was emanating from the accident site.

The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking news 😢 The description of it feeling like an earthquake gives me chills. Kudos to the local residents who rushed to help immediately - that's true Indian spirit. Hope the investigation reveals what went wrong so such tragedies can be prevented.
R
Rahul S.
The survivor being a British national of Indian origin is nothing short of miraculous. But we must ask tough questions - was there any negligence in aircraft maintenance? 8200 hours is experienced pilot, what could have gone wrong? Safety audits needed!
A
Anjali M.
The prompt response by NDRF and medical teams is commendable. But why was a residential building so close to the airport perimeter? Need better urban planning near airports nationwide. My prayers with all affected families 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Rs 1 crore compensation by Tata Group shows responsibility, but no amount of money can bring back lives lost. As frequent flyer, this makes me nervous - hope DGCA conducts thorough safety review of all airlines operating in India. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita P.
So many young doctors must have been in that hostel building...double tragedy. The mayday call indicates pilots knew something was wrong. Hope black box data gives answers. Gujarat government's coordination with medical teams is praiseworthy.
K
Karan D.
This is why I always prefer trains over flights in India. The survivor's story gives hope - but 240 other families' lives destroyed in minutes. Need stricter international safety standards for all airlines operating in our country. #PrayForAhmedabad

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Tags:
Ahmedabad plane crash Air India flight 171 Boeing 787 crash Gujarat accident Sardar Patel Airport