Breaking News: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Massive Rescue Operation Underway, check visuals available on social media
- India
Infosprinkle
- 0
- 10 minutes read
Note: This report is based on the latest available information from web sources and posts on X as of June 12, 2025. Some details, such as casualty figures and the exact cause, remain unconfirmed and may evolve as the investigation progresses.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, June 12, 2025 – A catastrophic aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad today when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at approximately 1:44 PM IST.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plunged into the Meghani Nagar residential area, triggering a massive explosion and fire. Thick black smoke was visible across the city, and emergency services are battling to control the situation.
Incident Details
Flight AI171 departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (8:09 UTC) under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours.
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control seconds after takeoff but lost contact thereafter. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates the plane reached an altitude of 625 feet (190 meters) before crashing just outside the airport perimeter.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a twin-engine, wide-body jet known for its fuel efficiency, was fully fueled for the long-haul flight, intensifying the explosion and fire upon impact. The crash site, located in the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood, has been described as chaotic, with debris and bodies scattered across the area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a massive explosion, followed by plumes of smoke visible from nearby localities like Vastrapur.
Passenger Details
The flight carried 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian national, 217 adults, and 11 children. Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed via his boarding pass as passenger number 12. The status of survivors or casualties remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue. Air India has established a hotline (1800 5691 444) and additional numbers (011-24610843, 9650391859) for families seeking information.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including seven fire engines, ambulances, police units, and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, were deployed within minutes.
An additional three NDRF teams are en route from Vadodara. A senior police officer reported that 70-80% of the crash site has been cleared, with efforts focused on rescuing survivors and extinguishing fires.
The crash site includes a doctors’ hostel, and multiple residential structures were damaged. A green corridor has been established to transport the injured to hospitals.
Official Response
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, en route to Ahmedabad, expressed shock and is personally monitoring the situation, directing aviation and emergency agencies to act swiftly.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full central government support, coordinating with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who has ordered immediate rescue and relief operations on a “war footing.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed and is closely following developments. The UK government is working with Indian authorities to provide consular assistance, with a hotline (020 7008 5000) for British nationals.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a probe, with a technical team from Boeing expected to assist. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011, has faced scrutiny for technical issues like hydraulic leaks and flap malfunctions in the past, though this is the first recorded crash of the model. Investigators will examine flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and air traffic control communications to determine the cause, with initial speculation pointing to a possible technical failure during the critical takeoff phase.
Impact on Ahmedabad Airport
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice, causing widespread disruptions. The crash has drawn international attention, with London Gatwick Airport confirming the flight was due to land at 6:25 PM local time (7:25 PM CEST).
Statements and Condolences
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran called the incident a “tragic accident,” expressing condolences and prioritizing support for affected families.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other leaders have conveyed their grief, with the nation anxiously awaiting survivor details.
Developing Story
This is the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction, marking a significant event in aviation history. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, the focus remains on supporting victims and their families. Authorities urge the public to rely on verified updates from Air India and official channels, with further details expected as the situation unfolds.
For updates, contact Air India’s hotline at 1800 5691 444 or visit airindia.com. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this tragic event.
