Air India Flight AI171 Crash: Over 240 Feared Dead as Ahmedabad Police Confirm No Survivors
A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on June 12, 2025, as an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — when it plummeted into the Meghani area near the airport, triggering a massive blaze, intensified by the aircraft’s heavy fuel load. According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, there appear to be no survivors. “It appears there are no survivors in the crash,” he said, adding that the aircraft also struck parts of a residential and office zone, resulting in additional casualties on the ground.
Moments before contact was lost, the crew issued a distress ‘MAYDAY’ call, prompting swift deployment of emergency services. Six NDRF teams, multiple fire brigades, ambulances, and police personnel were rushed to the scene to manage rescue and recovery operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he called the incident “heartbreaking beyond words” and said he was in touch with key ministers and authorities to ensure all possible assistance is provided.
Rescue operations continued into the evening, with officials confirming the fire had been brought under control but recovery efforts remain ongoing amid charred debris and grim scenes.
