A devastating air disaster unfolded in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 244 people, crashed into a crowded residential neighborhood shortly after takeoff. The flight, headed for London Gatwick, plunged into Meghani Nagar just minutes after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
At least 30 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more are feared trapped under the rubble, as rescue efforts continue deep into the night. Authorities have called the incident one of the worst aviation tragedies India has seen in over a decade.
The ill-fated Flight AI171 had just lifted off at 1:38 p.m. local time. Less than three minutes later, the pilot sent a brief distress signal before the aircraft disappeared from radar. Moments after, a thunderous explosion rocked Meghani Nagar, a dense suburb just five kilometers from the airport.
The aircraft smashed directly into the doctors’ hostel of the B.J. Medical College, igniting multiple buildings and scattering flaming debris across the street. The impact caused part of the building to collapse, complicating rescue operations.
Chaos and Courage on the Ground
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes. “The sky cracked open,” said Sarita Mehta, who lives across the street from the crash site. “We saw the plane nose-diving, and then a ball of fire. People were running, screaming, pulling others out of the flames.”
Emergency crews rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters battled the blaze, while paramedics and volunteers pulled survivors from beneath the rubble. Some residents joined the efforts, risking their lives to help neighbors and strangers alike.
Hospitals across Ahmedabad are on emergency footing, with at least 50 injured individuals admitted within the first few hours. Rescue workers are continuing to dig through debris, searching for survivors.
Who Was on Board?
Of the 244 on board, there were 232 passengers and 12 crew members. Air India confirmed that the majority—169 passengers—were Indian nationals. Others included 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Officials have begun notifying families.
Among the victims were students, business travelers, families on vacation, and at least three infants.
Air India has activated its emergency response plan and opened helplines for affected families. A list of passengers is expected to be released once all next-of-kin have been informed.
National and International Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in a televised statement just hours after the crash. “Our nation grieves this unimaginable loss. The government will leave no stone unturned to support the victims and uncover the cause of this disaster.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also released a statement of condolence, expressing solidarity with the Indian people and concern for the British citizens onboard.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, pledged full support to victims and investigators. “We are shattered by this tragedy,” said Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons. “We will stand by the families in every way possible.”
What Caused the Crash?
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation. Boeing is cooperating and has sent engineers and crash experts to the site.
Preliminary flight tracking data shows that the plane failed to gain proper altitude and disappeared from radar at around 625 feet. Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, bird strike, or pilot error could have caused the crash.
The black box has been recovered and is being analyzed.
The Dreamliner model has generally maintained a strong safety record since entering service in 2011. Still, this crash may raise questions about maintenance and pilot readiness, especially in rapidly growing aviation sectors.
Community Devastation
In Meghani Nagar, the grief is palpable. Families have lost children, homes, and livelihoods in an instant. Many are now sheltering in nearby schools or mosques. Relief teams are distributing water, food, and blankets.
Residents are also demanding answers. “This neighborhood has always been under low-flying aircraft,” said Ramesh Chauhan, a retired teacher. “We’ve asked for rerouting, but they said it’s safe. Now look at us.”
The crash has reignited debates about the proximity of airports to residential zones and the safety protocols governing urban flight paths.
A City and Nation in Mourning
In Ahmedabad, the scene remains one of heartache and heroism. Searchlights pierce through dust and smoke as rescue teams work tirelessly. Some weep. Others pray. Many simply stand, stunned by the horror that unfolded before their eyes.
In the coming days, the focus will shift to accountability, investigation, and healing. But for now, India pauses in grief—remembering the lives lost in the skies above and the neighborhood below.
For more videos of the crash, click on this link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKzQhmFK9hK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
