Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: As one of the deadliest plane crashes in history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The ill-fated flight, AI171, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when tragedy struck over the residential area of Meghani Nagar, a bustling suburb just 15 kilometers from the airport.
A Routine Takeoff Turned Catastrophic
Flight AI171 took off at 1:38 PM local time. Just minutes after lifting off from Runway 23, the aircraft issued a distress ‘Mayday’ call to air traffic control. Tragically, that would be the last communication from the cockpit. Moments later, the plane crash occurred in a residential area, exploding into a massive fireball, engulfing nearby structures and sending black plumes of smoke skyward — a sight that horrified locals and passengers’ families alike.
According to early reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and crashed at a dangerously low elevation of just 825 feet. Aviation analyst Sanjay Lazar noted that the aircraft showed clear signs of lift failure — a critical issue that likely contributed to the plane crash.
Who Was on Board?
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. The flight was being piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had 1,100 hours of experience.
Notably, unconfirmed reports have indicated that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board. However, officials have yet to release a complete manifest of survivors or victims from the plane crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Coverage
Eyewitness videos quickly flooded social media, showing the plane flying unusually low and struggling to maintain lift. One video captured the harrowing moment the aircraft nosedived and exploded on impact. Residents of Meghani Nagar described hearing a deafening blast followed by chaos as parts of the aircraft and debris from the plane crash showered down on homes and streets.
“It was like a war zone,” said Ramesh Patel, a local shopkeeper. “We saw the sky turn black with smoke, and then screams from all directions. Houses are on fire, and people are trapped.”
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
At least 24 ambulances rushed to the scene within minutes of the plane crash. Ahmedabad police confirmed that multiple injured individuals were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to nearby hospitals. Several homes in the plane crash area have sustained severe damage, with authorities fearing heavy civilian casualties on the ground as well.
Firefighters, emergency medical services, BSF, and NDRF teams have been deployed in full strength. The National Disaster Response Force has mobilized six teams from Gandhinagar and Vadodara for rescue and relief operations. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is personally monitoring the situation and is en route to Ahmedabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also taken stock of the plane crash situation and ordered immediate relief efforts.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
What Went Wrong?
As of now, the exact cause of the plane crash remains under investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team of experts, including the Director General, to conduct a thorough probe. The presence of Directorate of Airworthiness officials at the crash site suggests an urgent technical inspection of the aircraft’s black box and flight data recorder.
Aviation safety experts are already speculating on potential mechanical or systems failures, including problems with the engines or flight control systems. Some are also pointing to bird strikes, though this remains unverified.
The aircraft in question, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was 11 years old and had previously flown safely on hundreds of international routes prior to the plane crash.
Air India and Government Response
Air India’s chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow over the plane crash:
“With a heavy heart, I confirm that our flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has met with a tragic accident. Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected. Our entire team is working around the clock to support the families of the victims.”
Air India has activated an emergency support line for families and friends seeking information: 1800 5691 444.
Airport Shut, Nation in Mourning
In the wake of the plane crash, all operations at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended. Flights have been diverted to nearby airports, including Vadodara and Mumbai.
India is in collective mourning as this disaster revives painful memories of past aviation tragedies. Messages of grief and solidarity are pouring in from across the world, including from international leaders, the Indian diaspora in the UK, and civil aviation experts.
Conclusion: A Nation Awaits Answers
The Ahmedabad plane crash is not just a tragic headline but a devastating event with far-reaching consequences. As rescue efforts continue and families await word on loved ones, the nation’s eyes are on investigators to uncover what went wrong and ensure such a catastrophe never repeats.
Until then, the people of Ahmedabad and the country at large are left to grieve, hope, and demand accountability.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on preliminary reports and official statements available at the time of writing. Details regarding the cause of the plane crash, passenger identities, and casualty figures may change as investigations continue. Readers are encouraged to follow official sources such as Air India, DGCA, and verified government agencies for the most up-to-date information. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.
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