Ahmedabad top cop says ‘it appears there are no survivors’
🛑 BREAKING: Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad, 242 Dead in Massive Tragedy
Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025 — A major aviation tragedy struck India today as Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft, which took off around 1:38 PM, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area, hitting a hostel for medical students and bursting into flames. All 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, are confirmed dead, making this one of the worst air disasters in Indian aviation history.
⚠️ What We Know So Far:
- Flight AI171 was operating the Ahmedabad–London route.
- The plane crashed shortly after takeoff and exploded on impact.
- The crash site, Meghani Nagar, is a densely populated area.
- No survivors have been found among the passengers and crew.
- At least 5 people on the ground have also died and 40 others are injured.
- Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was reportedly on board.
🚨 Rescue & Emergency Response
Emergency services rushed to the site within minutes. Multiple fire tenders, ambulances, and NDRF teams were deployed to control the fire and assist with rescue efforts. The area has been cordoned off, and a green corridor was created to shift injured civilians to nearby hospitals.
Airport operations were briefly suspended but have since resumed.
🕵️ Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched an official investigation. Sources suggest the aircraft failed to gain altitude and crashed with landing gear still extended — indicating a possible technical or human error.
Air India and Boeing have both issued statements confirming full cooperation with the investigation.
🗣️ Reactions & Condolences
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “unimaginable” and assured all support to victims’ families.
- British PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III expressed deep grief over the loss of UK-bound passengers.
- Portugal and Canada have activated consular services for their deceased citizens.
📌 Passenger Nationalities
| Nationality | Number of People |
|---|---|
| Indian | 169 |
| Pakistani | 53 |
| Portuguese | 7 |
| Canadian | 1 |
| Total | 230 |
📞 Helpdesk Information
Air India has activated a helpline for families:
- India Toll-Free: 1800-5691-444
- London Support Centre: +44-20-7789-1122
- Ahmedabad Airport Helpdesk: Operational 24×7
🔍 What Happens Next?
- A preliminary crash report is expected from DGCA within 7–10 days.
- Black box and CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) recovery is underway.
- Compensation announcements are expected in the next 48 hours.
📸 Visuals From the Crash Site
[Insert Gallery/Video Section Here with verified visuals and drone footage]
🕯️ News Insider 24×7 joins the nation in mourning the lives lost in this horrific tragedy. Stay tuned for continuous updates on the investigation and recovery efforts.
