The ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (the UK) had 169 Indians, 53 British, and 1 Canadian national onboard. The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including crew and passengers from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
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Key Details Of The Ahmedabad Plane Crash
- The disaster unfolded at 1:38 PM, just minutes after the plane departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM. The aircraft reportedly lost altitude at around 825 feet and issued a “Mayday” distress call before plummeting to the ground outside the airport perimeter.
- Witnesses described a harrowing scene — a deafening explosion, thick black smoke billowing into the sky, and debris scattered across the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated neighbourhood near the airport. The impact ignited a massive fire, which emergency responders struggled to contain due to the plane’s full fuel load for the long-haul journey.
- At least 100 people are feared dead, with many more injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue.
- Among the 242 on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed to be among the passengers.
- All flights out of Ahmedabad have been suspended until further notice as authorities cordon off the crash site and manage traffic diversions to facilitate emergency access.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation, with technical teams expected to analyse flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and air traffic control communications. Air India have activated emergency numbers and hotlines to support families of those affected.
- Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow and assured the public that all available resources are being mobilised for rescue and relief. “We are on highest alert. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he stated.
- PM Modi also expressed sorrow on the incident.
