Air India Dreamliner Crashes Near Ahmedabad Shortly After Take-Off With Over 240 Onboard

A Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (Flight AI171) operated by Air India, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew, crash-landed in the Meghani Nagar suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat—just minutes after departing for London Gatwick.

Residential Area Engulfed in Flames as Aircraft Goes Down

The wide-body aircraft, operating Flight AI171, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport with over 240 people on board, including passengers and crew. Within minutes, it crash-landed in a populated neighborhood close to the city’s outskirts, sending thick black smoke into the air and igniting multiple fires.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as fire engulfed parts of the area. Several homes and vehicles were damaged, and debris was scattered across the crash site.

Emergency services quickly mobilized, with at least five firefighting teams and dozens of ambulances deployed to the scene. Rescue teams were seen working through the wreckage in search of survivors.

Air India Confirms Incident; Cause Still Under Investigation

Air India released a statement confirming the incident, stating:

“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. Emergency response teams are on site, and we are cooperating fully with authorities.”

While the cause of the crash remains unclear, initial reports suggest the pilot may have attempted to return to the airport after experiencing technical issues. However, no official confirmation has been provided by aviation regulators.

Aviation Minister: “Shocked and Devastated”

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep concern and said he is monitoring the situation personally.

“Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad,” he said in a statement. “We are on the highest alert, and all aviation and emergency response agencies have been directed to act swiftly and in coordination. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

First Major Crash Involving Boeing 787

If confirmed, the crash would mark the first recorded loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the Dreamliner has maintained a strong safety record despite past technical concerns.

Aviation analysts say this incident could prompt a fresh review of the aircraft’s safety protocols, particularly if mechanical or electronic failures are found to have played a role.

Rescue Operations Ongoing; Casualty Figures Unconfirmed

As of press time, officials had not released a confirmed casualty figure. Several passengers were reportedly pulled from the wreckage alive, but multiple injuries have been recorded. Hospitals in Ahmedabad are on high alert and treating survivors.

Residents of the area affected by the crash are being evacuated, and local authorities have cordoned off the scene to aid rescue and recovery efforts.

Global Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny

The crash follows a string of tragic aviation accidents in recent months. In December 2024, a plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea killed 179 people after the aircraft collided with a wall during landing. Only two passengers survived.

That disaster raised global concerns about flight safety standards and emergency response preparedness — concerns that will likely be amplified by today’s incident.

Investigation Underway

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to lead the investigation, with support from Air India and possibly Boeing’s technical team. The aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—commonly known as “black boxes”—will be critical in determining the chain of events that led to the crash.

Authorities are expected to issue a preliminary report in the coming days.

📍 Published by M10News.com
✍️ Written by F. Dayo Olusola
📩 Contact: info@m10news.com

By F. Dayo Olusola | M10News.com
Category: International | Published: June 12, 2025