Screen grab of the footage captured by the onlookers
Watch videos: At Least 120 dead, many more feared dead in Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
A devastating plane crash struck fear into the heart of Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick carrying 242 people, crashed into a doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Preliminary reports confirmed at least 120 fatalities, including passengers and those on the ground; however, actual numbers may rise as rescue teams search through the rubble. Eyewitnesses described the plane flying unusually low, crashing at around 1:38 PM, followed by a massive explosion and thick black smoke.
Rescue, treatment underway as chaos unfolds
First responders—comprising at least seven fire engines and multiple ambulances—were on site within minutes, creating a green corridor to swiftly transport the injured to local hospitals, many of which declared emergency alerts. While accurate casualty and injury counts are pending, dozens are confirmed dead and many grievously injured; rescue operations continue amid concerns of more victims trapped under debris .
Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have dispatched technical teams, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, to determine the cause. Investigators are analyzing data from the flight recorders; officials note the aircraft was fully fueled for its international flight, which likely exacerbated the intensity of post-crash fires.
Official responses and support for families
- Adani Group, operator of the airport, stated it is working closely with authorities. Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X expressing support
- Air India, via Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, expressed deep condolences, announced a dedicated victims’ support centre, and pledged verified updates
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words”, affirming that relief and rescue are underway
What’s happening now
| Current Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigations | DGCA & AAIB deployed technical teams; black box being analysed |
| Airport | All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport are temporarily suspended . |
| Families | Air India has activated a support centre and seating arranged at trauma centre for next of kin . |
| International | Passengers included nationals from UK, Canada, Portugal; respective governments in contact with Indian authorities . |
Next steps
- The AAIB and DGCA are examining flight recorders to determine definitive cause.
- Rescue crews continue to hunt for survivors and recover bodies.
- Local hospitals remain on high alert; green corridors are maintained for medical evacuations.