An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashes soon after takeoff, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries. Emergency services are on the scene, initiating rescue operations while the airline and governments respond to the disaster.
Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad
Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers crashes shortly after departure, with reports of multiple casualties and injuries.
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals including passengers and crew, tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025. The flight, designated as Flight 171, was en route to London Gatwick Airport when it experienced a catastrophic failure, leading to the aircraft's crash into a local medical college area. India's health minister reported that “many people” had perished in the incident.
Flight 171 had taken off around 1:40 p.m. local time, with a diverse mix of passengers—169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had previously not recorded any fatal incidents, has drawn scrutiny for operational issues. Following the crash, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport was closed, and all flight operations were suspended.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, labeling the event as “heartbreaking beyond words,” and emphasized the nation's collective grief. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, stated the company is dedicated to assisting the affected families and supporting emergency responders.
The crash site has become an area of urgency, with rescue teams mobilized to evacuate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. As more details unfold, both Indian and British officials are collaborating to ascertain the full scope of the disaster and provide assistance to those impacted.
Initial video footage from the site showcased firefighters battling flames amidst the wreckage, while chaotic scenes unfolded as some of the injured were rushed to medical facilities.
Regulatory attention is likely to focus on the Boeing 787's safety history, following a series of regulatory challenges faced by Boeing, including a previous investigation regarding fuselage assembly issues. The current crisis comes as Boeing strives to recover its reputation after past controversies surrounding its aircraft safety records.
As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the investigation into the cause of the crash, and the condition of those impacted. Families and friends of passengers have been urged to remain in contact with authorities and airlines for the latest information.
Flight 171 had taken off around 1:40 p.m. local time, with a diverse mix of passengers—169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had previously not recorded any fatal incidents, has drawn scrutiny for operational issues. Following the crash, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport was closed, and all flight operations were suspended.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, labeling the event as “heartbreaking beyond words,” and emphasized the nation's collective grief. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, stated the company is dedicated to assisting the affected families and supporting emergency responders.
The crash site has become an area of urgency, with rescue teams mobilized to evacuate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. As more details unfold, both Indian and British officials are collaborating to ascertain the full scope of the disaster and provide assistance to those impacted.
Initial video footage from the site showcased firefighters battling flames amidst the wreckage, while chaotic scenes unfolded as some of the injured were rushed to medical facilities.
Regulatory attention is likely to focus on the Boeing 787's safety history, following a series of regulatory challenges faced by Boeing, including a previous investigation regarding fuselage assembly issues. The current crisis comes as Boeing strives to recover its reputation after past controversies surrounding its aircraft safety records.
As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the investigation into the cause of the crash, and the condition of those impacted. Families and friends of passengers have been urged to remain in contact with authorities and airlines for the latest information.
