Tragedy struck in Gujarat on Thursday afternoon when an Air India aircraft en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and prompting an urgent response from emergency services.
The crash occurred near the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad, close to residential neighborhoods, triggering widespread panic and drawing large crowds. Authorities have since cordoned off the vicinity and urged the public to steer clear as rescue and containment operations continue.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB. Operating as flight AI-171, the plane had departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport with 242 individuals onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
Tragic
AI Ahmbd -London crashes
London bound AI 171 Boeing 787*plane crashed into under construction buil
*ahmedabad airport air india plane crash* ahmedabad civil hospital on high alertAs per local police more than 200ppl feared on board.
Plan crashes soon after take off… pic.twitter.com/O839kEHeR4— Anand Narasimhan🇮🇳 (@AnchorAnandN) June 12, 2025
The aircraft was captained by Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar serving as co-pilot. The flight was bound for London Gatwick but encountered a fatal mishap moments after liftoff.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene, with heavy smoke visible from several parts of the city, including Vastrapur. Videos circulating online show thick, black clouds billowing from the crash site as sirens of emergency vehicles pierce the air.
Firefighters, paramedics, and police units rushed to the scene in a coordinated effort to manage the aftermath, assess casualties, and initiate recovery efforts.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigations have been launched to determine what led to the disaster. Officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
