AHMEDABAD, June 12, 2025 — A devastating aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad this afternoon when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft plunged into the Meghaninagar area, hitting a residential complex housing doctors from BJ Medical College.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The plane was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. The aircraft was fully fueled for the long-haul journey, which intensified the explosion and post-crash fire.
🔥 Massive Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick black smoke engulfing the area after the plane crashed. “The aircraft was flying abnormally low before it struck the doctors’ hostel and burst into flames,” said local resident Haresh Shah.
Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police teams were rushed to the scene. Emergency crews have already evacuated around 70–80% of the affected zone, said senior officials.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed six teams, including 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar and Vadodara.
🛑 Flight Operations Suspended
Following the crash, flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended. To assist stranded passengers, Indian Railways deployed Vande Bharat trains to key destinations. Partial air operations have since resumed.
🏥 Rescue and Relief Efforts
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site and issued instructions for immediate rescue operations and medical treatment. A green corridor has been created to transport injured passengers to hospitals.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu have been directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the site and coordinate central assistance.
In a social media post, PM Modi wrote:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. My thoughts are with all affected. Assistance is being coordinated at the highest levels.”
🇬🇧 International Response
The UK Foreign Office confirmed that 53 British nationals were on board, alongside 169 Indian nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. British consular assistance lines have been activated.
🗣️ Statements from Officials and Air India
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran said:
“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating accident. We are cooperating fully with authorities and offering every possible support.”
An Operational Control Room has been set up in New Delhi and Ahmedabad to coordinate response efforts.
📞 Helpline Numbers for Families
- Delhi Control Room: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
- Ahmedabad Control Room: 9978405304 | 079-23251900
📋 Investigation Begins
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to Ahmedabad. Boeing is also expected to assist with technical evaluations.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said:
“We cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at this moment. The situation is evolving rapidly.”
💬 Condolences Pour In
- President Droupadi Murmu: “It is a heart-rending disaster. The nation stands with the affected families.”
- Gautam Adani: “Deeply saddened by the tragedy. We are working with authorities to assist on the ground.”
As rescue operations continue, families and the nation await clarity on the full extent of the devastation caused by one of India’s deadliest air accidents in recent history.
