AHMEDABAD, JUNE 12, 2025 — A tragic aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon when Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 individuals—230 passengers and 12 crew—went down in the densely populated Meghani area, triggering a massive fire due to its full fuel load.
Emergency services, including fire brigades, medical teams, police forces, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, reached the crash site within minutes of the accident. Rescue and recovery operations remain underway, with officials yet to confirm the exact number of casualties. Flight operations at the airport have been suspended until further notice.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with a technical team from Boeing, is set to launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash. In the meantime, Air India has activated Operational Control Rooms in Delhi and Ahmedabad to manage the crisis. Indian Railways has also stepped in, deploying Vande Bharat trains to facilitate transportation for stranded passengers and relatives of the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visibly moved by the tragedy, arrived at the crash site in Meghaninagar where he assessed damage, debris clearance, and rescue efforts alongside Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior state officials. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Civil Hospital to meet the injured and hold a high-level review meeting.
President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and several other national leaders have expressed deep grief and solidarity. Both Air India and the UK government are actively coordinating assistance for families of the deceased and survivors. Local residents have joined the search for missing persons, offering help despite the chaos.
In a critical step toward identifying the victims, authorities have commenced DNA sampling at BJ Medical College’s Kasauti Bhavan. Relatives of the deceased are lining up to submit samples in the hope of confirming the identities of their loved ones. The police, in coordination with hospital staff, are providing compassionate and sensitive support to grieving families during this harrowing time.
This devastating crash has plunged the nation into mourning and triggered a widespread emergency response. As investigations continue, the country watches with bated breath for answers and prays for the victims and their families.
