A London-bound flight from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff, killing over 200 people, including Vikrant Massey’s cousin Clive Kunder, who was the first officer. Actor Vikrant Massey mourned the loss as officials continue recovery and DNA identification efforts
Vikrant Massey
In an unfortunate incident, a flight headed to London from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of over 200 people, including students from a BJ Medical College, as the aircraft crashed into their hostel mess. The tragic incident has left the nation in shock and mourning. There were 242 people aboard the flight, including passengers and crew members. The first officer operating the flight, Clive Kunder, was actor Vikrant Massey’s family friend.
Vikrant Massey's cousin dies in plane crash
Following the tragic crash in Ahmedabad, actor Vikrant Massey took to social media to express his grief and mourn the loss of lives. He revealed that his family friend was among those who perished in the crash.
“My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic crash in Ahmedabad today. It pains me even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the first officer operating that fateful flight. May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all who are deeply affected,” he wrote in his Instagram stories.
About the Ahmedabad plane crash
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday described the crash of Air India Flight AI171 as a "national tragedy that has plunged the entire country into mourning." Expressing grief over the immense loss of life, he assured families of the victims that the government would provide unwavering support during this time of sorrow.
Inspected the site of the fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad. The whole nation is mourning the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/V2wkWz3ljh
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025
Amit Shah visited the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, to meet the sole survivor and the families of victims and to assess the medical response.
Providing an update on the casualties, he stated:
"The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers, including both Indian nationals and foreign citizens, along with 12 crew members. Amidst this tragedy, I have received some hopeful news — one passenger has survived. I have personally met him."
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shah expressed his anguish:
“Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces were swiftly mobilised. I have spoken with Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and the Police Commissioner to take full stock of the situation.”
Shah highlighted the scale of the disaster, revealing that DNA identification is currently underway to formally confirm the identities of the deceased.
"Only after the DNA process is completed will we be able to release the names," he added.
Visited the hospital and met with the people injured in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Spoke with the affected family members and assured them of every possible support required for the swift recovery of the injured. Also discussed with the doctors about their present… pic.twitter.com/9et40tlRZy
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025
The minister also underscored the catastrophic nature of the incident, noting that the blaze erupted with such intensity after the plane went down that “there was no opportunity to save anything.” The wreckage was quickly engulfed, making immediate rescue efforts extremely difficult.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, striking a doctors’ hostel near a medical college. The impact triggered a devastating explosion, resulting in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. Authorities are continuing recovery and identification operations.
