Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, carrying 232 people including passengers and crew, went down near the Meghaninagar area, close to the BJ Medical College campus. Early reports confirm at least 83 fatalities, with dozens injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening roar before the plane plummeted, followed by a fireball that lit up the morning sky. Local residents and emergency responders were among the first to arrive at the wreckage. Several survivors were pulled from the burning fuselage, some critically injured. Firefighters battled the intense blaze for over an hour before gaining control.
Flight AI171 issued a distress signal — a “Mayday” call — just four minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, citing a “critical systems failure,” according to ATC logs. The aircraft, identified as VT-ANB, was a 787-8 Dreamliner, part of Air India’s long-haul fleet operated under Tata Sons’ ownership.
Among the victims was reportedly former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, though conflicting reports are still emerging about his presence on board. Authorities have yet to confirm his death officially, but unverified sources have sparked national concern, prompting a response from the Gujarat government and Union Home Ministry.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, addressing the media, said, “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deploying full resources for rescue and investigation. DGCA and AAIB are probing every aspect — from technical failure to possible human error.” The aircraft’s black box has been recovered and will be sent for forensic analysis.
The pilot in command, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, is being hailed for managing to avoid a densely populated area before the crash. He is among the critically injured and is undergoing surgery at BJ Medical College Hospital.
The stock market also reacted sharply. Boeing shares dipped 3.4% in early trading following news of the crash, reviving global concerns about the Dreamliner series, which has faced previous scrutiny over software and mechanical issues. Air India shares, listed indirectly under Tata Group entities, also saw a minor decline amid investor anxiety.
This is the deadliest aviation accident in India since the 2020 Kozhikode crash. The Gujarat government has declared a state of mourning and announced compensation for the victims’ families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling it a “national tragedy that demands full accountability.”
Emergency hotlines have been established, and the passenger list is being cross-verified. The area surrounding the crash site has been cordoned off as NDRF teams and investigators continue recovery efforts. Survivors are being interviewed to piece together the final moments aboard AI171.
As the nation reels from this disaster, questions loom over aircraft safety, maintenance, and pilot protocols. For the families of those aboard, today’s sorrow will not be easily forgotten.
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