A major aviation tragedy is unfolding in Ahmedabad this afternoon, as an Air India passenger aircraft carrying more than 200 people crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to initial reports, the flight was bound for London and had approximately 242 passengers and crew members on board at the time of the crash.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was allegedly reported to be onboard the Air India plane which crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

The incident took place in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport boundary. Eyewitnesses described seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the crash site, with the impact felt across nearby neighbourhoods. Many residents reported hearing a loud explosion and rushed out to see the aftermath, while emergency sirens filled the air.

The video has surfaced of the incident.

Emergency services, including fire brigades, disaster response teams, and ambulances, reached the site within minutes and launched massive rescue operations. Injured individuals are being taken to nearby hospitals, and the area has been sealed off to allow emergency vehicles to move freely. The exact number of casualties and the condition of those on board have not yet been officially confirmed, as rescue efforts are still ongoing.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed the plane crash and said it was following up for more details.

“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,” it said.

Authorities have not yet commented on the possible cause of the crash. Both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have stated that a detailed investigation will begin once the immediate rescue and relief work is completed. Families of passengers are anxiously waiting for updates, and the city remains in shock as the situation develops.

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Source The CSR Journal