At least 20 feared dead, dozens injured as Air India flight crashes in Gujarat

June 12, 2025 by News Desk

At least 20 people are feared dead and dozens injured after an Air India flight (AI171) bound for London crashed during take-off at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening, Gujarat Samachar reported.

The aircraft, reportedly carrying 290 passengers out of its 300-seat capacity, encountered a catastrophic incident on the tarmac during routine operations, triggering a massive emergency response.

The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services deployed over five fire tenders to the site immediately after the incident. According to officials, explosions were heard near the runway shortly before thick plumes of smoke engulfed the area. Local residents in Meghaninagar said they heard three loud blasts.

Security and rescue operations were swiftly launched, with personnel from paramilitary forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the National Security Guard (NSG) rushing to the scene. A senior fire department official confirmed, “More than five vehicles from different city divisions reached the spot within minutes. Fire suppression and rescue efforts are ongoing.”

Eyewitnesses and initial reports suggest that several passengers suffered severe burns and injuries. The injured have been shifted to Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Health Minister Rushikesh Patel have rushed to take stock of the situation. Hospital sources indicate a critical state for many victims, and the death toll may rise.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke with CM Patel via phone to review the developing situation.

Air India released a brief statement confirming the incident: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.”

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on board, but there has been no official confirmation of his status so far.

All roads leading to the airport have been sealed off for civilian traffic. A technical team has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the crash, and an internal probe has been initiated by airport authorities.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also expected to issue a detailed statement following preliminary assessments.

More updates are awaited as the situation continues to unfold.