The crash into Meghaninagar’s densely populated neighborhood caused panic on the ground, with thick smoke, fire, and debris endangering residents alongside passengers.
BY PC Bureau
Several passengers were feared dead as whne an Air India passenger plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmadabad. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, carried 242 passengers and crew members. The crash occurred in the Meghaninagar area, near Forensic Cross Road and the IGB Ground in Shahibaug, triggering a massive emergency response as thick black smoke billowed into the sky.
The Air India flight took off around 1:30 PM IST but encountered a critical issue moments later. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft collided with an airport perimeter wall during its ascent, causing it to lose control and crash into a residential area near the airport. Visuals from the scene show dense smoke and flames, with the wreckage scattered across the Meghaninagar locality. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but sources indicate a possible tail strike or mechanical failure may have contributed.
Emergency services, including seven fire brigade tenders, police, and ambulances, were dispatched to the crash site within minutes. Firefighters are battling to extinguish the blaze, while rescue teams search for survivors. All roads leading to the airport have been sealed off to facilitate operations and ensure public safety.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state home minister, and the Director General of Police to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed the crash but noted that the aircraft type and casualty details are still being verified.
Air India passenger plane,with 242 passenger, crashed just meters away from Ahmedabad Airport. pic.twitter.com/h3B76Mm4BN
— Team SCB⚔️ #Citizen_Media🏹भारतपुत्र👣 (@1SanatanSatya) June 12, 2025
The crash site in Meghaninagar, a densely populated area, has raised concerns about potential ground casualties in addition to those onboard. While television channels initially reported no confirmed fatalities, later updates suggest several passengers are feared dead. Exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed as rescue operations continue. The proximity of the crash to residential buildings and the IGP complex has complicated efforts to secure the area.
Air India has yet to release an official statement, and authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch an investigation into the incident, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance records, flight data, and air traffic control communications.
Ahmedabad airport operations have been halted, with flights diverted to nearby airports in Vadodara and Surat. The closure of all access roads has caused significant traffic disruptions in the city.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents of Meghaninagar reported hearing a loud explosion followed by the sight of black smoke rising from the crash site. Social media posts show videos of the wreckage engulfed in flames, with emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. One X user described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting the proximity of the crash to residential homes.
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This incident marks a significant tragedy for Air India, India’s national carrier, and comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety in the country. Just weeks ago, an IndiGo flight narrowly escaped disaster after a hailstorm, recalling past aviation incidents like the Air France Flight 447 crash in 2009. The Ahmedabad crash is likely to prompt renewed discussions on airport infrastructure, aircraft maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
Ongoing Developments
As of 2:30 PM IST, rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities prioritizing the evacuation of survivors and containment of the fire. The public is advised to avoid the Meghaninagar area and refrain from sharing unverified information. Updates on casualties, the cause of the crash, and the status of airport operations are expected in the coming hours.
For further details, contact the Gujarat State Police Control Room or visit official news outlets. This is a developing story, and information will be updated as it becomes available.
