Ahmedabad, Gujarat – On a seemingly routine Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025, the vibrant city of Ahmedabad was plunged into grief when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophic incident, which claimed the lives of many of the 242 passengers and crew on board, has left a scar on the city and the nation, raising urgent questions about aviation safety and emergency response.
A Routine Flight Turns Catastrophic
The ill-fated flight, Air India AI-171, was scheduled to depart Ahmedabad at 1:30 PM IST, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots. The aircraft, a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was expected to connect Gujarat’s commercial hub to London’s Heathrow Airport. According to preliminary reports, the plane issued a mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly after lifting off the runway, signaling a critical emergency. Within moments, the aircraft plummeted outside the airport’s perimeter, erupting into flames and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and horror. “I was near the airport, and I heard a loud noise, like an explosion,” said Anil Patel, a local shopkeeper. “Then I saw smoke rising, and people were running everywhere. It was like a nightmare.” Videos captured by bystanders showed the wreckage engulfed in flames, with emergency responders rushing to the scene.
A Devastating Toll
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, addressing the media, painted a grim picture of the disaster. “Looking at the current situation, it’s hard to say if anyone has survived,” he stated. “Some were brought in for treatment, but survival seems unlikely.” While rescue operations were launched immediately, the intensity of the fire and the extent of the wreckage made recovery efforts challenging. A help desk and assistance area were set up outside the temporarily closed Ahmedabad airport to support the relatives of passengers, who gathered in anguish, seeking answers.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the flight carried 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash, with initial speculation pointing to possibilities such as a technical malfunction, a bird strike, or pilot error. The DGCA has promised a thorough inquiry, with the aircraft’s black box expected to provide critical insights.
A City in Mourning
Ahmedabad, known for its bustling markets and rich cultural heritage, came to a standstill as news of the tragedy spread. The crash site, just beyond the airport’s boundaries, became a focal point of grief and solidarity. Local residents, emergency services, and volunteers worked tirelessly alongside authorities to assist in rescue and relief efforts. Hospitals in the vicinity, including Apollo Hospital and Sterling Hospital, prepared to receive casualties, though early reports suggested few survivors.
The tragedy has struck a chord across India, with leaders and citizens expressing their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, saying, “My heart goes out to the families affected by the Ahmedabad plane crash. We stand with them in this hour of grief, and all efforts are being made to support those impacted.” Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site, assuring the public that the state government would extend full support to the victims’ families.
Questions of Safety and Accountability
The Ahmedabad crash has reignited debates about aviation safety in India, a country with one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, has a strong safety record, making this incident particularly shocking. Aviation experts have called for a transparent investigation to uncover whether mechanical failure, human error, or external factors contributed to the disaster.
Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with users expressing both sorrow and frustration. Many are demanding answers about the maintenance protocols of Air India and the oversight mechanisms of the DGCA. “How does a modern aircraft like the Dreamliner crash just after takeoff?” one user posted. “We need accountability, not just condolences.”
The incident also raises broader questions about airport safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Ahmedabad’s airport, a key hub for domestic and international flights, has faced scrutiny over its infrastructure and capacity to handle such crises. The temporary closure of the airport has disrupted travel, with airlines rerouting flights to nearby cities like Vadodara and Surat.
A Nation Reflects
As the sun set on June 12, 2025, Ahmedabad’s skies, once filled with the promise of global connections, were cloaked in sorrow. The crash of Air India AI-171 is not just a tragedy for the families of the 242 souls on board but a moment of reckoning for India’s aviation industry. The coming weeks will likely see intense scrutiny of the crash’s causes, with investigators, regulators, and the public seeking to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.
For now, Ahmedabad mourns. Candlelight vigils are being planned across the city, and social media is awash with tributes to the victims. The road to healing will be long, but the resilience of Ahmedabad’s people, coupled with the nation’s solidarity, offers a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 4:02 pm by Shashivardhan Reddy | Published by: Shashivardhan Reddy on Thursday, June 12, 2025 7:06 pm | News Categories: News, India
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