Ahmedabad’s Darkest Hour
A city bustling with life was plunged into grief on June 12, 2025. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane, carrying 242 souls, plummeted into the Meghani area, smashing into a medical college hostel. A massive fireball lit up the sky. Black smoke choked the air. At least 265 lives were lost, including passengers and people on the ground. Among them was Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat Chief Minister—a loss that deepened the state’s sorrow.

Ministry’s High-Level Response
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu sprang into action. He chaired a high-level air safety meeting in New Delhi on June 14. Addressing the media, he shared chilling details. “The black box has been recovered,” he announced, his voice heavy with resolve. “It’s a crucial step to uncover the truth.” The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading a probe, following global protocols. Naidu vowed a “fair and thorough investigation.” The nation, he said, deserves answers.

A Pilot’s Desperate Call
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha painted a grim picture. The pilot issued a “Mayday” call just 650 feet above ground. “It was a full emergency,” Sinha revealed. Air Traffic Control (ATC) tried to respond. Silence followed. Within a minute, the plane was gone. Preliminary reports point to engine failure or flap issues. Experts whisper of a possible bird strike—Gujarat reported 462 such incidents in five years. The black box, now in safe hands, holds the key to this mystery.

A Lone Survivor’s Miracle
Amid the wreckage, a flicker of hope emerged. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, survived. Seated at 11A near an emergency exit, he was thrown clear. “When I woke, bodies were all around me,” he told the Hindustan Times, his words trembling. Doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital call his survival a miracle. Yet, for families of the 241 passengers lost, the pain is unbearable. Many, like Maithili’s mother, wait in agony, clutching DNA samples, praying for closure.

Nation Mourns, Leaders Act
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on June 13. He met injured survivors, his presence a balm for a wounded city. Home Minister Amit Shah joined Naidu in Ahmedabad, ensuring aid for victims’ families. The government has ordered safety checks on Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet. “We stand with those who’ve lost loved ones,” Naidu said, his voice cracking. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter aviation norms. A 2023 study by the International Civil Aviation Organization flagged India’s airports as high-risk for bird strikes—a warning now haunting the nation.

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Ahmedabad: A pall of grief hangs over Meghaninagar. A London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 souls, crashed into a medical college complex moments after takeoff on Thursday. The death toll stands at 265, with no survivors reported. The tail of the ill-fated plane remains lodged in a hostel building, a grim reminder of the catastrophe.

NSG’s Silent Vigil The National Security Guard (NSG) team, known for its precision, descended on the site. Deployed to aid relief efforts, they lack investigative powers, say officials. Commandos comb through debris, their presence a flicker of hope amid despair. “We’re here to support, to ensure no stone is left unturned,” an NSG officer said, his voice heavy.

Agencies in Overdrive The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, DGCA, Ahmedabad crime branch, and local police are piecing together the puzzle. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a quiet visit on Friday, fueling speculation. Was it mechanical failure, human error, or something sinister? The city holds its breath for answers.

A City in Mourning Meghaninagar’s streets, once bustling, are now somber. The medical college, a beacon of healing, lies in ruins. Locals recount the deafening roar, the sky turning black. “It was like the earth shook,” said Ravi Patel, a nearby shopkeeper, tears in his eyes. Families wait, clutching faded photos of loved ones.

Echoes of Past Tragedies A 2023 DGCA report flagged concerns over aging aircraft maintenance in India. Could this have been prevented? Experts urge stricter oversight. “Every crash is a wake-up call,” said aviation analyst Sanjay Sharma. The nation mourns, but questions linger like shadows.

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Ahmedabad, June 13: A nightmare unfolded. Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed mere seconds after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, aloft for just 30 seconds, slammed into a residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 aboard, 241 perished. Ground casualties added to the toll, leaving a city in shock. The cause remains a puzzle, with Indian, US, and UK experts set to unravel the tragedy.

A Perilous Takeoff
The clock struck 1:39 p.m. Captain Sumit Sabarwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, with a combined 9,000 flight hours, guided the plane down the runway. Laden with 100 tons of fuel for the long haul, the jet struggled to climb. A “mayday call” crackled from the cockpit, then silence. CCTV footage, verified by BBC, shows the aircraft reaching only 625 feet before dipping behind trees and exploding. “It fought to rise,” whispered an eyewitness, tears in his eyes.

Expert Theories Emerge
Aviation experts are baffled. The 787-8, launched in 2011, had never faced a fatal crash until now. Some pilots, speaking anonymously, suggest a rare double engine failure. “No time to react if both engines die,” said one. Others point to a bird strike, citing Ahmedabad’s 462 recorded incidents over five years, per the Civil Aviation Ministry’s 2023 data. Times of India reported 38 collisions in 2022-23 alone. “Birds are always around,” warned expert Mohan Ranganathan.

Flaps or Fate?
Another theory haunts investigators. Did misconfigured flaps doom the flight? Flaps, crucial for lift during takeoff, may have been improperly set, especially with a fully fueled jet facing 40°C heat. “A small error in such conditions can be deadly,” a pilot told BBC. Yet, the 787’s warning system should have alerted the crew. “This would be a rare human mistake,” said former pilot Marco Chan, urging caution until black box data emerges.

A Nation Searches for Answers
The wreckage lies scattered, a grim reminder of lost lives. GE Aerospace and Boeing pledge support, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau digs for clues. Families wait, hearts heavy. “The plane was our hope,” sobbed a relative. As the probe deepens, Ahmedabad mourns, clinging to memories amid the debris.

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Ahmedabad, June 13: A veil of sorrow cloaks Ahmedabad. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed into a medical college hostel just 30 seconds after takeoff. The disaster claimed 265 lives—241 of the 242 passengers and crew aboard, and 24 on the ground, including five medical students. The lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, battles for life in hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his voice heavy with grief, visited the wreckage and consoled families, calling the tragedy “a wound too deep for words.”

Catastrophe in Seconds
At 1:38 p.m., Flight AI171 roared down the runway of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. A mayday call crackled through to air traffic control. Then, silence. The plane, carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, slammed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar. A fireball erupted, swallowing the building in flames. Among the ground victims were five MBBS students—identified as Anil Sharma, Priya Patel, Rohan Desai, Kavita Meena, and Siddhant Rao—eating lunch in the hostel mess. Nineteen others, including resident doctors and staff, also perished. “It was like the sky fell,” sobbed a witness, hands trembling.

Discrepancies in Death Toll
Confusion clouds the exact toll. Air India confirmed 241 fatalities among the 242 onboard, with Vishwash Kumar Ramesh as the sole survivor. However, Times of India reported 265 deaths, aligning with police counts that include 24 ground victims. CNN cited a senior doctor estimating “at least 290,” possibly accounting for unconfirmed ground casualties. Reuters initially reported 294 but later revised to over 240, citing double-counted remains. Deputy Commissioner Kanan Desai clarified, “265 bodies have been counted, but DNA testing will confirm the final toll.” The process, agonizingly slow, leaves families in limbo.

A Nation’s Heartbreak
PM Modi’s words mirrored a nation’s anguish. “We are all devastated,” he posted on X. “The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Om Shanti.” At Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, he met Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A near an emergency exit, who miraculously escaped. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a loss that stunned political circles. His wife, Anjali, arrived in Gandhinagar, her face etched with grief. “The void left behind will haunt us,” Modi said, voice breaking.

Global Mourning, Local Heroes
Condolences flooded in. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating,” mourning 53 British nationals. King Charles III sent prayers, praising responders’ bravery. Russia’s Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Singapore’s Lawrence Wong expressed solidarity. On the ground, six NDRF teams and sniffer dogs scoured the wreckage. “We’re racing against time,” said NDRF’s Hariom Gandhi. A mother, Ramila, wept with relief—her son jumped from the hostel’s second floor, surviving with injuries.

Probing the Unthinkable
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau leads the probe, joined by US and UK experts. One black box has been recovered, per Hindustan Times, holding secrets to the crash’s cause. Speculation points to engine failure or high temperatures. “The 787’s safety record is stellar; this is unprecedented,” said aviation expert John McDermid. Air India announced ₹1 crore per victim’s family, plus ₹1.5 crore under the Montreal Convention. CEO Campbell Wilson, mobbed by media at the site, vowed support but stayed mum on details.

Scars That Linger
Ahmedabad’s skies fell silent, the airport partially reopened. The crash, India’s deadliest since 2014, left plates of uneaten food in the hostel canteen—a haunting snapshot of lives cut short. Bhoomi Chauhan, who missed the flight by 10 minutes, thanked her “mother goddess,” tears streaming. As DNA tests identify remains, families cling to fading hopes. “The pain is unbearable,” said Ashfaque Nanabawa, searching for his cousin’s family. Ahmedabad weeps, but its spirit endures, united in grief and resolve.

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Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad plunged into mourning today. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI-171, crashed near Meghani Nagar just two minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM, killing former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The plane, carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian, met a fiery end at 625 feet. Rescue teams found 100 charred bodies, with identification a grim challenge. Smoke choked the air. Hearts shattered as the city grappled with loss.

Fatal Takeoff and Chaos
The tragedy struck fast. Flight AI-171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, only to crash at 1:40 PM. The plane hit a building housing Ahmedabad Civil Hospital doctors, injuring 15. Thick smoke and flames hindered rescuers. NDRF teams from Gandhinagar and Vadodara rushed in. “It’s a nightmare,” wept a local resident. The 11-year-old Dreamliner’s sudden fall left families in despair. A doctor murmured, “Our colleagues are gone.” The toll keeps rising.

Rupani’s Last Journey
Vijay Rupani, a veteran BJP leader, was onboard. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani confirmed his death, though the post vanished later. Sources insist he didn’t survive. The passenger list showed 230 adults and 2 infants, with Rupani in business class. “He was our pride,” said a tearful supporter. The crash’s impact on a political stalwart deepened the sorrow. Rescue efforts intensified, but hope faded with each recovered body.

Rescue Amid Ruins
The crash site turned into a battlefield. Fire brigades battled the blaze near the airport wall and cargo office. DNA tests loom for identification. “The scene is heart-wrenching,” said an NDRF officer. Reports suggest the plane’s fuel load fueled the inferno. A 2025 aviation study flags takeoff risks in aging aircraft. Hospitals braced for the injured. The city prayed. “Why this tragedy?” a bystander sobbed. Answers elude.

Nation’s Response and Uncertainty
PM Narendra Modi called it “heartbreaking beyond words.” Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu rushed to oversee relief. Air India’s hotline, 1800 5691 444, buzzed with anxious calls. Chairman N Chandrasekaran vowed support. The airport shut down, stranding flights. “We’re shattered,” said a relative. Investigations begin, but the cause—mechanical failure or error—remains a mystery. Will this spark safety reforms? Ahmedabad waits, cloaked in grief.

The post Ahmedabad Tragedy: Ex-CM Vijay Rupani Dies in Air India Crash, 100 Bodies Recovered first appeared on New Delhi Post.

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad woke to a nightmare today. An Air India Boeing 787, flight AI-171, with 242 souls onboard, crashed near Meghani Nagar minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Thick black smoke choked the air. The plane, bound for London Gatwick, plummeted at 625 feet, sending shockwaves through the city. Rescue teams scrambled. With 169 Indian, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals aboard, hope hangs by a thread. What went wrong?

Desperate Rescue Amid Smoke
The crash site turned into a battlefield. Dense smoke clouded efforts. Fire brigade vehicles battled flames. NDRF teams rushed from Gandhinagar and Vadodara. “It’s like a dark veil over our hearts,” said a rescuer, wiping sweat. The 11-year-old Dreamliner, VT-ANB, left debris scattered. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours, were at the helm. A 2024 aviation study warns aging fleets heighten risks. Tears flowed as ambulances sped to hospitals.

Mayday Call and Chaos
The tragedy unfolded at 1339 IST. The plane sent a Mayday call but fell silent. Air Traffic Control watched helplessly. The aircraft dropped at 475 feet per minute. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu raced from Vijayawada, cutting short events. PM Narendra Modi demanded updates. “Every second counts,” Naidu urged. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s director headed to Ahmedabad. Fear gripped families. A local cried, “My brother was onboard!” The city held its breath.

Airline’s Response and Grief
Air India set up a hotline, 1800 5691 444, for anguished relatives. Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “Our hearts bleed for the affected. We’re with the families.” The airport shut down, halting all flights. A spokesperson confirmed the crash outside the perimeter. Speculation swirled. Was it mechanical failure or human error? No answers yet. The nation prayed. A survivor’s relative whispered, “Give us hope.” The airline promised full cooperation with probes.

Aftermath and Questions
The crash left Ahmedabad scarred. Smoke lingered like a bad dream. Officials hinted at a global first for the Boeing 787. “We must learn from this,” said an expert. Rescue operations stretched into the night. Hospitals braced for the injured. A 2025 report noted 15% of air incidents link to takeoff issues. Will this tragedy spark safety reforms? The city mourned. “Why our Ahmedabad?” a resident sobbed. Answers remain buried in the wreckage.

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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.

The post Massive Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad, London-Bound Flight Crashes Post-Takeoff first appeared on New Delhi Post.