Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a tragic aviation disaster, an Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, sending shockwaves across the nation and triggering an immediate emergency response.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as a thick plume of black smoke rose from the crash site. Visuals captured moments of terror as residents fled the area moments after the aircraft plummeted from the sky. Initial reports indicate that the aircraft lost altitude moments after takeoff before crashing near the airport perimeter.
Top Leadership Responds, Emergency Measures in Place
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing them to reach Ahmedabad and oversee relief efforts personally. Union Home Minister Shah also held urgent talks with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner, assuring full central government support.
All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended following the crash. As of the latest update, limited flights have resumed, and a help desk has been established for distressed family members outside the airport terminal.
Rescue Operations Underway
Six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and two Border Security Force (BSF) units were swiftly deployed to the site to conduct search and rescue operations. The Western Railway disaster management team has also joined the multi-agency response, while the Civil Aviation Ministry has set up a central control room to coordinate all relief efforts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived at Asarwa Civil Hospital, where several injured victims have been taken for treatment. Officials are yet to confirm the final casualty count, but fears of significant loss of life loom large.
Condolences Pour in From India and Abroad
The disaster has prompted an outpouring of grief from across India and the global community:
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President Droupadi Murmu said she was “deeply distressed” and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called the crash a “devastating human tragedy” and expressed national solidarity with the affected.
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Congress MP Sonia Gandhi described the visuals as “heart-wrenching” and extended her condolences.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting the presence of British nationals onboard, called the incident “devastating” and expressed sympathy for those impacted.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin sent official condolences to President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul conveyed solidarity and prayers to India, calling the crash “shocking.”
Flight Cancellations and Precautionary Measures
In the aftermath, Air India cancelled its scheduled flight from London to Goa. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates, as operational disruptions continue.
Authorities are working around the clock to identify victims, support survivors, and offer assistance to bereaved families. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts from DGCA are expected to join the inquiry.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
