Indian Aircraft Crashes in Ahmedabad, Over 240 Dead; One Survivor Miraculously Rescued
Ahmedabad: A major aviation tragedy struck today when Air India flight AI 171, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a densely populated residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, including two infants.
The aircraft reportedly issued a “Mayday” call moments after takeoff before crashing into the Meghani Nagar area, near the Shahibaug-Naroda junction. The plane burst into flames upon impact, with smoke visible from several kilometers away.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the death toll rising to over 240. Among the casualties are students living in a nearby hostel. One passenger, identified as Ramesh, miraculously survived the crash.
Authorities have confirmed that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers. The flight also carried 52 British nationals and one Canadian citizen.
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
Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have struck a tree during takeoff, possibly contributing to the crash. Investigations are underway to determine if a technical malfunction played a role, although the aircraft was reported to be in good condition and weather conditions were clear. Both pilots were highly experienced, with Captain Samit Sabharwal having over 8,200 flight hours and First Officer Clive Kundra logging 1,100 hours.
⚡️BREAKING: A plane has crashed near the airport of Ahmedabad, in western India, according to NDTV.
News18 reports that there were 130 passengers on board. pic.twitter.com/GvLBT0iB4b
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 12, 2025
The crash site lies within a thickly populated area connected to the airport perimeter. The nose of the aircraft became lodged between residential apartment blocks in the IGV Compound, complicating rescue efforts due to large crowds gathering at the site.
Fire Officer Jaish Khadia confirmed that multiple fire brigade units responded quickly and worked to control the blaze. Several injured individuals have been transported to the City Civil Hospital.
#WATCH | Air India plane crashes in Ahmedabad; Thick smoke and dust emerge as an impact of the plane crash pic.twitter.com/JLPApIfPnU
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad to assess the situation firsthand. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) are on the ground, collecting evidence and analyzing the cause of the crash.
BREAKING: Passenger plane carrying more than 100 people crashes near Ahmedabad, India – local TV pic.twitter.com/xFFEgPtTOc
— BNO News (@BNONews) June 12, 2025
Air India confirmed the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Flight AI 171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has met with an accident. We are assessing the situation and will provide further updates soon.”
Authorities have sealed off all roads near the airport and the crash site to facilitate rescue operations. The government has urged the public to stay away from the area to ensure emergency services can operate without hindrance.
