Ahmedabad reels after Air India Flight AI171 crashes into a residential zone minutes after takeoff, leaving a death toll of at least 47 and prompting a national investigation into potential mechanical failures.
BY PC Bureau
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was aboard Air India Flight AI171 when it crashed into a densely populated residential area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. His condition remains unknown, as his family has confirmed his presence on the flight, deepening the anxiety surrounding one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick with 242 passengers and crew, struck an airport perimeter wall shortly after lifting off at 1:38 PM IST on June 12. It crashed into the Meghaninagar area of Shahibaug, near Forensic Cross Road and IGB Ground, triggering a massive explosion and fire that tore through homes and infrastructure.
READ:Â Several Feared Dead as Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad
Rescue efforts entered a critical phase through the afternoon and evening, with three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Ahmedabad Fire Services, and police personnel combing through debris. By 5:00 PM IST, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital confirmed at least 47 fatalities, with over 80 injured—many critically. Officials fear the death toll will rise as operations reach deeper into the wreckage.
Survivors have begun recounting the flight’s terrifying final moments. One injured passenger described to NDTV a “sudden jolt followed by an explosion,” after which the aircraft nosedived into the neighborhood. Flight crew Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar reportedly issued a brief MAYDAY call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control.
#BREAKING : Exclusive footage of Vijay Rupani Boarding Pass.
Ex Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on crashed Air India Plane in Ahmedabad.#Ahmedabad #Gujarat #PlaneCrash #Crash #AI171 #AirIndia #VijayRupani pic.twitter.com/gZ5RYkepyD
— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 12, 2025
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, addressing the press at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, called the incident a “national tragedy” and assured full government support for families of victims. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has been coordinating relief from the ground since early afternoon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the disaster on X, wrote, “The loss of lives in Ahmedabad is devastating. We stand with the bereaved families. The government will ensure all necessary support.”
Air India activated a toll-free helpline (1800-XXX-XXXX) at 4:30 PM IST for families and relatives of those on board. The airline has yet to issue a detailed statement on the sequence of events leading to the crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recovered both black boxes—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—later in the evening. Investigators are now analyzing initial data, with early indications pointing to a possible tail strike that may have damaged vital control systems. Mechanical failure, including a possible engine issue, is also being considered, though the DGCA has urged the public to avoid speculation. A six-member team led by Joint Director General G.S. Bedi is working with Boeing and Air India engineers, and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch is expected to assist.
The crash has severely impacted Meghaninagar’s Ghoda Camp and IGB Compound, where several homes have collapsed or sustained heavy damage. Dozens of families have been relocated to makeshift shelters in local schools. The Gujarat government has announced ₹5 lakh in ex gratia compensation for each deceased passenger’s family, with additional aid packages expected.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed, with all flights diverted to Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai. Police have cordoned off roads leading to the crash site, and citywide traffic remains snarled.
Social media has been flooded with images of the burning wreckage and emotional messages under hashtags such as #AhmedabadCrash and #AirIndiaTragedy. Prominent political leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, have offered condolences. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Police have warned citizens against spreading unverified reports, particularly regarding casualty numbers or causes.
The tragedy has reignited public debate over aviation safety and urban zoning, especially the proximity of high-density neighborhoods to major runways. Parallels are already being drawn to the 1988 crash of Indian Airlines Flight 113 in the same city.
Rescue and recovery operations are set to continue overnight under floodlights, and the DGCA has promised a preliminary report within 48 hours. A complete investigation, however, may take months. For now, Ahmedabad is in mourning as families await news of missing loved ones—and a nation waits for answers.
