Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A devastating plane crash involving Air India’s London-bound Flight AI171 has shocked the nation. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, landing in the densely populated Meghaninagar area. The tragic event has prompted an urgent investigation into the cause of the crash, with rescue efforts continuing on the ground.
Timeline of the Incident
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude moments after takeoff at 3:45 PM IST. Pilots issued a “Mayday” distress call, indicating severe technical difficulties. Shortly thereafter, communication with air traffic control was lost, and the plane descended rapidly before crashing into a local residential complex. Thick smoke and fire engulfed the crash site, causing panic among residents.
Rescue & Relief Operations
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, rushed to the scene within minutes. Authorities evacuated nearby homes to prevent further casualties due to the fire and explosion. Initial reports indicate that several passengers, along with residents in the area, have sustained injuries. The death toll remains unconfirmed, but officials fear significant fatalities.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, aviation experts and Air India officials suspect engine failure or a major technical malfunction may have led to the disaster. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed a special investigation team to analyze black box data and assess whether mechanical errors, pilot response, or external factors played a role.
Government & Airline Response
The Civil Aviation Ministry, in collaboration with Air India, has released helpline numbers for families affected by the tragedy. The UK government is also involved in assisting British nationals who were aboard the flight. Air India’s CEO expressed condolences, stating, “We are devastated by this incident and are fully cooperating with investigators to determine the cause. Our priority remains supporting affected families.”
Public Reaction & Safety Concerns
The crash has raised concerns about air safety regulations, particularly regarding maintenance standards and emergency protocols for Indian airlines. Aviation analysts emphasize the need for enhanced safety inspections to prevent such incidents in the future.
As rescue teams continue their operations and authorities investigate the crash, the nation waits anxiously for more details. Updates will follow as new information emerges.