Gujarat plane crash: At least 133 dead, Rescue operation ongoing

June 12, 2025 by News Desk

A major aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon when Air India flight AI-171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least 133 people. The Boeing 787 aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and 12 crew members, went down near the Meghaninagar area, close to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The flight had taken off at 1:39 pm IST from Runway 23 when the pilots issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). Communication was lost moments later. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter, engulfing the crash site in thick plumes of black smoke visible as far as Vastrapur.

Initial visuals showed the aircraft’s remains scattered near a residential locality, with local residents rushing in to help before emergency crews arrived. The aircraft is feared to have crashed partially on the mess building of Ahmedabad Medical College’s hostel, though this has not been officially confirmed.

A green corridor has been set up to transport the injured to hospitals. Emergency centres have been activated and support teams have been deployed to assist affected families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, calling the incident “heartbreaking beyond words.” He has directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Ahmedabad and oversee rescue and relief efforts.

Air India, in an official statement, confirmed the crash and stated that it is working with authorities and emergency teams. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India.

Civil Aviation Minister Naidu, who left for Ahmedabad immediately, said he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed all response agencies to act swiftly.

The Air India flight that crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:38 hrs. The aircraft was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Of the 230 passengers on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals, according to initial documentation reviewed by The Kashmiriyat.

In response to the tragic incident, Air India has activated a dedicated passenger information hotline: 1800 5691 444, to assist families and provide updates.

Additionally, the Gujarat state government has established a control room at the State Emergency Operation Center to coordinate rescue and communication efforts. Concerned individuals can reach the control room via phone at 079-232-51900 or mobile at 99784 05304.

Further investigations are underway, and officials have yet to provide the final toll or establish the cause of the crash. The DGCA has launched a probe, and the aircraft’s black box will be critical to determining what led to the deadly incident.