A devastating crash occurred this morning when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The flight was carrying 243 passengers and crew members when it crashed in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area near the airport.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as a loud explosion shook the area, followed by flames and thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the crash site. Emergency services—including fire brigade teams, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police—rushed to the scene and have since been engaged in intensive rescue operations.

Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

The Gujarat state government is closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel is present in Ahmedabad and is coordinating with emergency officials on the ground. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with state leaders and Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner, offering full support from the central government to aid in the rescue and investigation.

As of now, there is no official word on casualties or survivors, though dozens of injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash, and a full investigation is expected to follow once immediate rescue operations conclude.

Local residents and volunteers have joined emergency teams in providing assistance, while hospitals across the city are on high alert to receive more victims.

This is a developing story. Further details will be released as they become available. (ILKHA)