AHMEDABAD, June 12: Tragedy struck early this afternoon when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying approximately 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in a massive emergency response.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site. Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene, and a green corridor was established to transport injured passengers to nearby hospitals.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details,” Air India said in a statement posted on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in contact with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, assuring full support from the central government. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is reported to have been on board the flight.
