A tragic Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar kills over 200. Full details, casualties, reactions, and investigation updates inside.
A tragic incident unfolded in Gujarat's capital city on the afternoon of June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft went down in the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated urban neighborhood, causing a large number of casualties and immense destruction.
Crash Details: What Happened
According to initial flight data, the aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:38 PM IST. Within a minute of departure, the plane lost altitude drastically and signaled a MAYDAY emergency. The aircraft disappeared from radar at just 625 feet and eventually crashed into a residential complex near a doctor's hostel.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by thick plumes of black smoke and visible flames engulfing the area. The crash created panic in the neighborhood, with several buildings either damaged or destroyed by the impact and fire.
Passenger and Crew Manifest
The ill-fated flight had 242 occupants onboard:
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230 passengers, including children and infants
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12 crew members
The passengers comprised:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British nationals
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7 Portuguese nationals
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1 Canadian citizen
Initial reports suggest that many people may have lost their lives, including many on board and potentially several individuals on the ground. The exact death toll is still being verified by authorities.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Following the crash, multiple fire tenders, ambulances, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed immediately. The Gujarat Police and local volunteers played a crucial role in initial rescue efforts.
One building struck by the aircraft reportedly housed intern doctors who were having lunch at the time of the crash, raising concerns about ground-level fatalities.
The airport suspended operations temporarily to allow unrestricted access to emergency vehicles.
Investigation Launched
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Experts from Air India and Boeing are also expected to participate.
Preliminary areas of investigation include:
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Possible technical failure or engine malfunction
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Weather conditions at the time of takeoff
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Fuel load (since it was a long-haul international flight)
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Flight data and voice recorders (Black Boxes), which are currently being recovered
Notably, this is the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model widely used for long-haul international flights and considered among the safest aircraft types in service.
Official Reactions and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the Ahmedabad Plane Accident, tweeting:
“Deeply saddened by the Ahmedabad crash. My thoughts are with the families of those affected. A full investigation is underway.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other international leaders also extended condolences, given the presence of foreign nationals among the victims.
The Gujarat state government has set up a crisis management task force, and Air India has opened emergency helplines for families seeking information.
Wider Impact
This accident has renewed concerns over civil aviation safety in India, especially with regard to international flights operating from Tier-2 airports. It comes just before the 2025 Paris Air Show, casting a shadow over the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, Boeing's stock saw a temporary dip following the crash, as global safety regulators closely monitor the outcome of the investigation.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a grim reminder of how fragile human life can be. As rescue efforts continue and families await official confirmation, the tragedy has plunged the nation—and parts of the international community—into collective grief.
India mourns the lives lost and hopes that the ongoing investigation will uncover the truth and help prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
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