A devastating plane crash occurred near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025, resulting in a significant loss of life. Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the air. The aircraft had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members.
The plane plunged into the Meghani area, hitting residential quarters of doctors from BJ Medical College and bursting into flames. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with multiple fire engines and ambulances deployed to carry out rescue operations. Unfortunately, authorities fear that there may be no survivors, with at least 120 people reported dead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness over the tragedy, assuring full cooperation from the central government in managing the aftermath. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu rushed to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue efforts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the incident.
The nationalities of those on board include 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Air India has activated an emergency center to support families of the passengers. The Airports Authority of India has set up operational control rooms in Delhi and Ahmedabad to coordinate relief efforts