Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, 12 June 2025
Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes.
By NewsWithJ • Published June 12, 2025 • Ahmedabad, Gujarat
A Dark Day in Indian Aviation History
In what has become one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Heathrow, was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — when it plunged into a densely populated residential area just minutes after becoming airborne.
The Crash
At around 1:38 PM IST, the aircraft lost altitude suddenly and crashed into the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, striking a medical hostel building near Gujarat Medical College. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames and black smoke rising into the sky. Within minutes, emergency services arrived at the scene to begin a rescue operation amid the burning wreckage and collapsing structures.
Casualties and Survivors
Initial reports confirm that at least 204 people on board perished in the crash, with more than a dozen casualties reported on the ground due to the hostel being struck. In a rare moment of hope, authorities discovered one surviving passenger, a British national, who was immediately rushed to the ICU of a local hospital. His condition remains critical.
The identification process for the victims is ongoing. The Gujarat government has announced free DNA testing for families to aid in body identification, as many victims were burned beyond recognition. Mourning has swept through multiple countries, with victims from India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal onboard.
Emergency Response
Ahmedabad’s disaster response was immediate and extensive. Over 70 fire brigades, 20 ambulances, and dozens of police and military personnel were deployed to the crash site. A "green corridor" was created to transport survivors and victims rapidly to the city's hospitals. Local citizens, doctors, and NGOs also mobilized swiftly to donate blood and provide aid to the injured.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with tail number VT-ANB. It was among Air India’s newer fleet and had reportedly undergone routine maintenance just days prior. The aircraft was fully fueled for the 8.5-hour journey to London, which may have contributed to the massive explosion upon impact.
The black box and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered and sent to Delhi for analysis. Investigators are now focusing on whether technical failure, pilot error, or a combination of factors caused the aircraft to stall so soon after takeoff.
Government and Airline Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking." He confirmed that a full investigation is underway and that government support will be provided to affected families. British PM Keir Starmer and Canadian officials also issued public condolences and offered investigative assistance.
Air India, under the Tata Group, has announced ₹1 crore (10 million INR) in compensation for the family of each deceased passenger and full medical expenses for survivors. The airline has also set up emergency contact numbers, crisis centers in Ahmedabad and London, and dedicated support teams to assist grieving families.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents of Meghani Nagar described the chaos that followed the impact. “It felt like an earthquake,” said a student living in the hostel. “The whole building shook, and then we saw fire all around.” Several locals reportedly helped pull survivors from the debris before emergency responders arrived. Footage captured by bystanders shows flaming wreckage scattered across several blocks and damaged buildings smoldering in the heat.
Investigation Launched
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and international agencies including the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are participating in the probe.
Investigators are now examining the aircraft’s sudden altitude loss, possible engine issues, and reports that the landing gear failed to retract after takeoff. The final report could take several months, but a preliminary report is expected in two weeks.
The Bigger Picture
This disaster raises urgent questions about safety oversight in Indian aviation, especially for international long-haul flights. The crash also marks the first-ever fatal hull loss for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that had previously enjoyed a solid safety record.
Aviation experts have called for improved pilot training, especially for takeoff and emergency procedures. “This isn’t just a mechanical failure,” said one aviation consultant. “This is a wake-up call about preparedness, redundancy, and response time.”
Public Mourning and Unity
Vigils have been held across Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and London. The Indian flag was flown at half-mast, and a minute of silence was observed in Parliament. Citizens across the country and abroad took to social media to express sorrow, using hashtags like #PrayForAI171 and #AhmedabadCrash.
Conclusion
The crash of Flight AI171 will be remembered as one of India’s darkest aviation disasters. But amid the horror, it has also shown the courage of first responders, the resilience of communities, and the power of global solidarity. As investigations continue, the hope remains that lessons learned will ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
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