Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a catastrophic aviation disaster, Air India Flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The crash occurred around 2:00 PM local time, with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeting into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.
The aircraft was carrying 244 people, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members, from various nationalities including Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens. Authorities have expressed fears that there are no survivors.
Sudden Loss of Contact
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft lost signal at an altitude of just 625 feet, within a minute of takeoff. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation into what caused the aircraft to crash so quickly after departure.
Scenes of Chaos and Devastation
Eyewitnesses described horrifying moments as the jetliner crashed into the residential neighborhood, triggering two loud explosions followed by a massive fire. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the wreckage for several kilometers. Residents rushed to help as buildings shook and panic spread through the area.
“I saw flames and debris falling from the sky. It was terrifying,” a local resident told reporters.
Emergency Response in Full Swing
Firefighters, police, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were quickly deployed to the crash site. Fire officer Jayesh Khadia confirmed that multiple fire engines were dispatched immediately to combat the blaze, which was intensified by the aircraft’s full fuel load.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai said several injured residents have been taken to city civil hospital, though the full extent of casualties remains unclear.
Government and Airline Statements
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated, “We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation. All resources are being directed to the scene.” He emphasized that aid will be provided both to the victims’ families and those affected on the ground.
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed profound grief: “Our primary focus is on supporting the affected families. An emergency response centre has been activated.”
Air India also issued a brief update on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the crash and promising more details soon:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
National Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, assuring full central assistance in managing the disaster response and relief operations.
As rescue teams continue to sift through the wreckage, questions remain about what went wrong in the brief moments after takeoff. An official investigation is now underway, with more information expected in the coming hours.
