Shock waves ripple as an Air India plane en route to London crashes shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, leaving 242 souls in peril.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s Ahmedabad witnessed a horrifying plane crash today. An Air India flight, soaring towards London, crashed near Meghani Nagar just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, a grim signal of the disaster. Rescue teams rushed to the scene. The flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members totaling 242 people, met this fate. The Ahmedabad Police Control Room confirmed the tragedy. With the airport just 15 kilometers from the crash site, panic gripped the city.
Chaotic Rescue Efforts
The crash site turned into a battleground. Seven fire brigade vehicles sped to douse the flames engulfing the wreckage. Social media buzzed with videos showing dark plumes rising high. Emergency response teams deployed swiftly. BSF and NDRF units raced to Meghani Nagar. The crashed plane, a 11-year-old Boeing 787 Dreamliner, sparked fears. Fire officer Jayesh Khadia reported the blaze post-crash. “It’s a race against time,” he said. Uncertainty loomed as officials withheld the cause, leaving hearts pounding.
Flight’s Tragic Journey
Flight AI-171 began its journey from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, halting briefly in Ahmedabad before takeoff for London this afternoon. The sudden crash stunned all. Reports suggest Gujarat’s former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani was onboard, adding to the tension. NDRF dispatched three teams of 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, with three more en route from Vadodara. The air thickened with smoke and sorrow as rescue operations intensified.
Official Response and Uncertainty
Dharpur, near Meghani Nagar, echoed with cries as smoke clouded the horizon. Air India’s spokesperson posted on X, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are assessing details and will share updates soon on http://airindia.com and our X handle https://x.com/airindia.” No clarity emerged on casualties or the crash’s trigger. The nation held its breath, awaiting news amidst the chaos.
Aftermath and Hope
The crash left a scar on Ahmedabad’s landscape. Residents watched in disbelief as sirens wailed. A 2025 aviation safety study warns of aging aircraft risks, fueling speculation. “We pray for the survivors,” said a local shopkeeper, tears in his eyes. Authorities promised swift action, but the toll remained unknown. Will this tragedy spur change, or deepen the wound? The city braced for answers as rescue teams dug through the debris.