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Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’

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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A Comprehensive Overview

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck as Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, carried 242 passengers and crew members. The incident has sent shockwaves across India and beyond, prompting swift rescue operations and investigations.

Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’

This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the crash, its impact, and the ongoing response efforts.

Flight Details & Passenger Information

  • Flight Number: AI 171
  • Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
  • Departure Time: 1:38 PM IST
  • Crash Location: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
  • Total People Onboard: 242
    • 169 Indian nationals
    • 53 British nationals
    • 1 Canadian national
    • 7 Portuguese nationals
  • Crew Members: 12 (including pilots and cabin crew)

The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot.

The Crash: What Happened?

Takeoff & Mayday Call

Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’
Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’
Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’
Air India Tragedy: Ahmedabad Plane Crash Leaves 242 Onboard Feared Dead, PM Modi ‘Stunned and Saddened’

The aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:38 PM IST. Within minutes, the pilots issued a Mayday call, indicating an emergency. However, communication was lost soon after.

Impact & Damage

The plane crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, severely damaging buildings, including a student hostel at BJ Medical College. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site.

Casualties & Injuries

  • At least 120 fatalities have been reported.
  • Several injured passengers and residents have been rushed to hospitals.
  • Authorities are working to confirm the total number of casualties.

Immediate Response & Rescue Operations

Government Action

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered swift relief operations.
  • Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is overseeing rescue efforts.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed.
Ahmedabad plane crash : Civil aviation ministry issues HOTLINE numbers

“In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details,” stated the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 

Emergency Services

For any queries regarding the plane crash, families of the passengers are requested to contact

  • Fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue teams arrived within minutes.
  • Hospitals in Ahmedabad are treating the injured.
  • Helpline Numbers for Assistance:
    • Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
    • Air India Passenger Hotline: 1800 5691 444.

Impact on Ahmedabad & Flight Operations

Local Damage

  • The crash site is severely affected, with debris scattered across buildings.
  • BJ Medical College’s intern hostel suffered major damage.
  • Residents in Meghani Nagar have been evacuated for safety.

Airport Closure

  • Ahmedabad Airport operations have been temporarily suspended.
  • Flights scheduled for departure and arrival have been redirected.

International Response & Support

UK Embassy Statement

The UK Embassy in India has acknowledged the crash and is working with local authorities to assist affected British nationals.

Global Condolences

  • Leaders worldwide have expressed their condolences.
  • International aviation experts are monitoring the situation closely.

Investigation & Next Steps

Cause of the Crash

Authorities are investigating the possible reasons behind the crash, including:

  • Technical failure
  • Pilot error
  • Weather conditions
  • Mechanical issues.

Air India’s Statement

Air India has assured full cooperation with investigators and has set up a dedicated support system for affected families.

Government Measures

The Indian government is expected to announce new aviation safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered rescue and relief operations after an Air India plane crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

PM Modi dials aviation minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad.

Naidu informed PM Modi that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. PM Modi has directed him to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation.

Reacting to the crash, Naidu expressed deep shock and called the crash “devastating”. He assured that he is personally monitoring the situation.

“Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” the minister wrote on X.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Gujarat Mourns the Loss of Former CM Vijay Rupani

A Dark Day in Gujarat’s Political History

Gujarat was shaken on June 12, 2025, as former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed dead in the Air India AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad. The tragedy marks the second time a sitting or former Gujarat CM has lost their life in an air accident, echoing the 1965 crash that claimed Balwantrai Mehta.

The Fatal Flight: What Happened?

  • Flight Details: Air India AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick.
  • Passengers & Crew: The flight carried 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
  • Crash Location: The aircraft crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, just five minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Eyewitness Accounts: A Scene of Horror

Residents near the crash site described:

  • A deafening explosion that shook buildings.
  • Plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.
  • Emergency services rushing to contain the fire and rescue survivors.

Vijay Rupani’s Presence Confirmed

Among the 242 passengers, Vijay Rupani, aged 68, was listed on the passenger manifest. His tragic passing has left Gujarat in mourning, with political leaders expressing their condolences.

Home Minister Amit Shah And Prime Minister Narenra Modi To Visit Gujarat

The Ahmedabad plane crash is a devastating event that has left many families grieving. However, swift action is being taken to provide relief and support. As investigations continue, authorities are committed to ensuring justice and safety for all affected.

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