In a tragic turn of events, an Air India flight bound for London Gatwick with 242 people on board crashed into a densely populated residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI171, has left India and the international community reeling in shock and grief.
According to aviation officials, the ill-fated jet departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time. Within five harrowing minutes, it plummeted into Meghani Nagar, a crowded suburb of Ahmedabad, triggering a massive fireball and sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as homes were engulfed in flames and residents scrambled for safety.
Local television stations aired disturbing visuals of mangled wreckage strewn across charred rooftops, as firefighters and emergency crews battled stubborn flames and thick smoke. Ambulances wailed through the streets, ferrying injured residents and survivors to nearby hospitals.
Air India confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Casualty figures remain unconfirmed at this time, but officials fear the death toll could be devastating given the impact zone and severity of the crash.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of those who may have perished,” said Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran in an emotionally charged statement. “Our primary focus now is supporting the victims, their families, and working closely with local authorities to determine what went wrong.”
The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flight experience. He was accompanied by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. Moments after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, which was their final communication before all contact was lost, Air Traffic Control sources confirmed.
Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told the Associated Press that initial investigations suggest the aircraft may have suffered catastrophic engine failure. However, he emphasized that it is too early to determine the exact cause until flight data and cockpit voice recorders are recovered and analyzed.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express deep sorrow: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have been mobilised. I am personally monitoring the situation and ensuring swift action is taken to assist survivors and affected families.”
London Gatwick Airport also confirmed the tragedy, stating: “We can confirm that Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad, was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone impacted.”
In a chilling footnote to this catastrophe, aviation experts note that this marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009. With over 1,000 Dreamliners operating worldwide, the model has been considered among the safest and most advanced long-haul aircraft—until now.
Air India has activated its emergency response centre and deployed special assistance teams to Ahmedabad and London to provide psychological support, legal aid, and logistical help to grieving families. A dedicated helpline has also been set up for those seeking information about loved ones.
As the nation mourns, global aviation authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing officials, are expected to join the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in probing the tragedy. In the coming days, the world will await answers as to how a routine flight turned into a catastrophic nightmare in the sky.
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