Tragedy struck just minutes after takeoff as Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew, plunged back to earth near Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India.
The flight, bound for London Gatwick, veered off course and crashed in the Meghani neighborhood, leaving behind a chilling scene of destruction. Witnesses and social media users shared harrowing images showing a massive plume of black smoke billowing from the crash site close to the international airport.
Fragments of the aircraft’s fuselage and tail were strewn across a demolished building, underscoring the devastating impact. Although the cause of the crash remains unclear, a video circulating online captured the plane descending with a high nose angle and its landing gear deployed, suggesting an attempt at a controlled emergency landing.
Emergency crews are racing to the scene, desperately hoping to rescue survivors amid the widespread wreckage. However, early reports paint a grim picture of heavy casualties.
According to Indian news agency ANI, police have confirmed that all 242 souls were aboard the ill-fated flight.
Air India responded with a brief statement on X, saying: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently gathering details and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, aircraft tracking service FlightRadar24 revealed the plane’s transponder signal vanished mere seconds after takeoff at 08:08:51 UTC, marking the abrupt end of the flight.
As rescue efforts continue, the nation watches in anxious silence, hoping for a miracle amid this unfolding disaster.
India’s Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, expressed deep sorrow and urgency upon hearing the tragic news of the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
“I am shocked and heartbroken by this devastating incident,” he said. “We have immediately raised the highest level of alert. I am personally overseeing every development, ensuring that all aviation authorities and emergency teams respond swiftly and in full coordination.”
“Rescue operations are already underway, with medical aid and relief teams rushing to the scene to provide critical support. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on board and their families during this incredibly difficult time.”
