🛑 Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Emergency Response Underway
Pilots of Air India Flight AI 171: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal
(Pilot in Command, Line Training Captain with 8200 hours of experience) First Officer Clive Kundar
(Co-pilot with 1100 hours of flying experience)
PAX Info
217 Adults
11 Children
2 Infants
169 Indian
53 Britishers
1 Canadian
7 Portuguese
Ahmedabad, India | June 12, 2025 – A major aviation Tragedy unfolded today as an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, plunging into the Meghani Nagar residential area, just a few kilometers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft, reportedly carrying 242 passengers and crew, encountered a critical failure moments after liftoff. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing the aircraft engulfed in flames before it crashed into the densely populated neighborhood.
🔥 Smoke, Fire, and Panic Gripped the City
Locals in Meghani Nagar witnessed a horrifying scene: a fireball in the sky followed by debris scattering across rooftops and streets. Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke rising, sirens wailing, and emergency responders racing against time.
Residents described the sound as “thunderous” and “shaking the ground,” with flames erupting from nearby houses as parts of the aircraft caught fire upon impact.
🚑 Emergency Services on High Alert
Teams from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services, local police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Rescue workers are combing through debris in a race to save lives.
Dozens of injured individuals—both from the aircraft and on the ground—have been transported to Civil Hospital and Apollo Hospital in critical and stable conditions. Hospital authorities have requested blood donors to step forward amid the ongoing crisis.
🗣️ Government and Airline Responses
In a statement, Air India confirmed the incident and extended its support to affected families. “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate event involving our aircraft operating AI171. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted. We are coordinating with authorities and rescue teams for full support,” said an airline spokesperson.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Home Minister Amit Shah have been briefed, and investigations have been launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing technical experts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has assured all possible assistance and visited the command center personally to oversee rescue operations.
🔍 Possible Causes: Still Under Investigation
While the official cause is still unknown, aviation analysts suspect possible mechanical failure, bird strike, or a hydraulic system malfunction as potential triggers. The aircraft was reportedly heavily fueled for the long-haul flight to London, which could explain the intensity of the post-crash fire.
⚠️ Safety Concerns Reignited
This tragic incident raises renewed questions about aircraft maintenance, urban safety planning near airports, and the crisis preparedness of aviation authorities. Citizens and activists have long raised concerns about flight paths that pass over densely populated zones like Meghani Nagar.
🕯️ In Memory and Solidarity
A temporary helpdesk and helpline have been set up by Air India and local authorities. Families of passengers are being contacted, and counseling services are being provided.
As the city reels from this devastation, prayers pour in from across India and the globe. The crash serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of aviation safety protocols.
📍 Helpline Numbers:
Air India Emergency: 1800-180-1407
Ahmedabad Airport Info: +91-79-2286-9211
Blood Donation Support: Civil Hospital – +91-79-2268-7411
🕊️ Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all affected.
✍️ For verified updates and visuals from the scene, visit www.Alfatravelblog.com
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