Catastrophic Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Lives, Shocks Nation
Description: A devastating crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad has left the nation reeling, with significant loss of life and widespread disruption. Emergency services are mobilized, and investigations are underway to uncover the cause of this tragic incident.
Tragedy Strikes in Meghani Nagar
On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, a catastrophic aviation disaster unfolded in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals, plummeted into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area at approximately 1:38 PM IST. The crash site, near a doctors’ hostel and residential buildings, was engulfed in thick black smoke and flames, creating scenes of chaos and devastation.
A Sudden and Horrific Descent
According to initial reports, the aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with 8,200 hours of flight experience and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours, issued a mayday call to Air Traffic Control moments before losing contact. Flight tracking data indicates the plane reached an altitude of just 825 feet (190 meters) before it abruptly fell, crashing into the ground with a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses described a deafening blast followed by a towering plume of smoke visible from kilometers away. Videos circulating online captured the plane flying dangerously low before it slammed into the ground, erupting into a fireball.
The aircraft reportedly struck a residential building, causing significant structural damage and sparking fires that emergency responders struggled to contain. Seven fire engines, ambulances, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were dispatched to the scene, with 90 personnel initially involved and additional teams en route from Vadodara. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered the creation of a green corridor to facilitate the swift transport of the injured to hospitals, including the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
While official numbers are still being confirmed, sources estimate a grim toll, with at least 120 to 133 fatalities reported. Rescue workers have recovered 30 to 35 bodies from a building at the crash site, and fears remain that the death toll could rise as operations continue. The crash’s impact on the residential area has raised concerns about additional casualties among residents and medical staff at the doctors’ hostel. Emergency services are working tirelessly to extinguish fires and search for survivors amidst the charred wreckage.
Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence on the flight has added to the national shock. Rupani, traveling in business class, was one of the 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The passenger manifest included 217 adults and 11 children, reflecting the diverse group affected by this tragedy.
National and International Response
The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity from leaders across India and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” He has been in contact with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom have traveled to Ahmedabad to oversee relief efforts and ensure support for those affected. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and actor Riteish Deshmukh also shared their condolences, with Deshmukh describing the incident as “absolutely heartbreaking.”
Internationally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed Europe’s solidarity, saying, “My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain.” Leaders from the UK, Portugal, and Canada also expressed their grief, given the presence of their nationals on the flight.
Air India issued a statement confirming the incident and pledged to provide updates via their website and social media channels. The airline has darkened its social media profiles as a mark of mourning. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a probe to determine the cause of the crash, with a team already en route to Ahmedabad.
Impact on Aviation and Local Operations
The crash has led to the suspension of all flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, with airlines like IndiGo issuing travel advisories due to runway restrictions. The incident has also sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with Boeing’s stock plummeting 7-8% in pre-market trading, as this marks the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009.
Local authorities have sealed off roads leading to the airport and crash site to manage the crisis and prevent further chaos. The Gujarat government has issued helpline numbers to assist families seeking information about loved ones, and hospitals in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are on high alert to treat the injured.
A Nation Mourns
As rescue operations continue and investigators work to uncover the cause of this unprecedented tragedy, India grapples with the profound loss of life and the emotional toll on families and communities. The crash in Ahmedabad is one of the worst aviation disasters in recent Indian history, raising urgent questions about flight safety and emergency preparedness. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected families, rescuing survivors, and honoring the memory of those lost in this heartbreaking event.
Information Gathered From: News reports from The Hindu, Times of India, India Today, Hindustan Times, NDTV, News18, Reuters, BBC, and posts on X.
