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Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight to London Crashes Moments After Takeoff from Ahmedabad — 242 Feared Dead
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, leaving a scene of devastation and heartbreak. The flight, designated AI171, was bound for London Gatwick with 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board.
According to early reports, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:10 p.m. local time. Just minutes after takeoff, the pilot radioed Air Traffic Control with a Mayday distress call, signaling a critical emergency. Moments later, communication was lost. The plane went down near the Ghoda Camp area, close to the airport perimeter, erupting into flames upon impact.
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising across the city as emergency sirens blared. Firefighters, police, and medical teams rushed to the site, battling intense heat and debris to search for survivors. Witnesses described hearing two loud explosions before the aircraft crashed, scattering wreckage across a residential neighborhood.
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are in the process of gathering information and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying,
“With profound grief, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Our immediate focus is on supporting the victims’ families and assisting emergency personnel at the crash site.”
Rescue and Recovery Efforts Underway
Dozens of emergency vehicles surrounded the crash zone as rescue teams worked into the night. Initial reports from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggest the plane went down in a densely populated area, causing significant structural damage on the ground. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, but local authorities fear that all 242 people aboard may have perished.
Hospitals across Ahmedabad have been placed on high alert, and disaster response units are coordinating efforts to recover remains and identify victims. The Indian Air Force and National Disaster Response Force have joined local authorities in the recovery mission.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and disbelief. “The sky lit up — I heard an explosion and saw flames,” said a resident of Meghaninagar, one of the areas closest to the crash site. “We could feel the heat even from our homes.”
Investigation Launched
The DGCA has initiated a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with assistance from Boeing and international aviation safety experts. Early speculation suggests a possible engine malfunction or systems failure, but officials emphasize that it is too early to draw conclusions. Black box recovery teams are en route to the site to retrieve flight data and cockpit recordings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, writing:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Air India flight accident near Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. The government is monitoring the situation closely and ensuring all necessary support is provided.”
National Mourning Declared
Flags will fly at half-mast across India for the next three days in honor of the victims. Air India has set up a 24-hour helpline for families seeking information about passengers. Counselors and grief support teams are being dispatched to airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and London to assist relatives.
What began as an ordinary flight turned into one of the darkest days in India’s aviation history. As investigators search for answers, the nation mourns the 242 lives lost in a tragedy that unfolded in minutes but will be remembered for years.