Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad Residential Area, 242 On Board

An Unfortunate aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, the incident has triggered widespread panic and a massive emergency response. Thick black smoke and flames engulfed the crash site, raising fears of significant casualties as rescue operations unfold.

Tragic Crash Shocks Ahmedabad

The flight, which departed at 1:38 PM IST, lost contact minutes after takeoff, plunging into a densely populated neighborhood near the airport. Eyewitnesses reported a deafening explosion followed by towering plumes of smoke visible from areas like Vastrapur. The plane, heavily fueled for its transatlantic journey, caught fire upon impact, complicating rescue efforts. Seven fire engines and ambulances rushed to the scene, with police cordoning off roads to facilitate operations. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the crash, noting the uncertainty surrounding the aircraft’s condition and the extent of damage to residential structures.

अहमदाबाद में हुआ भयावह विमान हादसा अत्यंत हृदयविदारक और दुखद है।

ईश्वर सभी यात्रियों की रक्षा करें और प्रभावित परिवारों को इस असहनीय पीड़ा को सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। #PlaneCrash#NirmalChoudhary pic.twitter.com/7uPi7wR6Aw

— Nirmal Choudhary (@NirmlChoudhary) June 12, 2025

Emergency Response and Investigation

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the debris. Over a dozen ambulances are transporting the injured to nearby hospitals, though no official casualty figures have been released. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a team from Delhi to investigate, focusing on potential mechanical failure or human error. Flightradar24 reported the plane’s signal was lost at 08:08:51 UTC, seconds after takeoff. 

Community and National Response

The crash has left Meghani Nagar residents in shock, with many evacuating their homes. Social media posts reflect prayers for those onboard, including unconfirmed reports of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani being among the passengers. Air India issued a statement acknowledging the incident, promising updates via its website and X handle. As the nation awaits clarity, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for rigorous aviation safety measures to prevent such devastating losses.