In a devastating blow to Gujarat’s political landscape, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani (2016–2021) perished in the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick with 242 onboard, went down just minutes after takeoff, exploding into flames over the busy Meghani Nagar locality . This marks the second time a Gujarat CM has died in an air accident—over half a century since Balwantrai Mehta’s fatal 1965 crash . Emergency crews responded swiftly among thick smoke, but all on board, including Rupani, were lost. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation.

Air India changed its profile pictures to black across social media after its London-bound flight AI171 crashed five minutes post take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew—went down in Meghani Nagar near the airport. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, including seven fire engines and three NDRF units from Gandhinagar, with more arriving from Vadodara. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar were piloting the flight. Air India confirmed the incident on X, saying further updates will follow. Devastating visuals showed wreckage engulfed in flames near a medical college hostel. (PC: India Today)

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, suffered a catastrophic crash seconds after takeoff. Flightradar24 data reveal the plane climbed only about 625 ft before sending a MAYDAY and disappearing from radar within a minute. All 242 onboard including 230 passengers, 12 crew, and infants were aboard during the descent into Meghani Nagar’s residential area . Witnesses and video footage show a sudden stall, explosion, and thick black smoke . Rescue teams, ambulances, and fire services rushed in. The flight’s cause remains under investigation by the DGCA, AAIB, Air India, and Boeing .

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner headed to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of everyone onboard. The aircraft issued a mayday distress call moments after departure before crashing into the Meghani Nagar area, striking a residential building and erupting into flames. Rescue teams including NDRF, firefighters, and emergency services confirmed there were no survivors among the passengers and crew. Authorities have begun investigations into the cause, as the nation mourns one of India’s worst aviation disasters in recent years.

A bird strike may have prevented Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, from reaching optimal take‑off speed according to the experts. After take‑off around 1:30 pm on June 12, both engines may have suffered power loss. Former senior pilot Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar noted that the aircraft appeared “short of taking the gear up” and began descending before the crew issued a Mayday call. Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar added that multiple bird hits likely prevented lift development, despite the plane being only 11 years old. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the cause.

Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 bound for London, rescue and relief operations have been launched on a war footing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff into the Meghani Nagar area, sparking a massive fire. Emergency responders, including firefighters, ambulances, NDRF teams, and local police, rushed to the scene. Several injured passengers and civilians from nearby buildings have been rescued and taken to hospitals. The site remains under strict security as rescue crews search for survivors and aid the wounded. Investigations are ongoing.

Air India flight AI171 to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, striking the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghaninagar. Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) reported that several MBBS students were present in the mess at the time of impact, and 20–30 may be injured. Images show parts of the aircraft embedded in the hostel building, which sustained visible damage. The flight had 242 people on board, including 169 Indians and 53 Britons. Emergency teams, fire brigade, and CISF personnel are on-site. FAIMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and ready to assist. (PC: X)

In a devastating incident on June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was carrying over 240 people, including passengers and crew. It crash-landed near the Meghani Nagar area, striking a residential building and sparking a massive blaze. Emergency teams including NDRF, fire services, and hospitals are actively conducting rescue operations. A helpline number 1800-5691-444 has been issued for families. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and flight operations are currently suspended.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad “heartbreaking beyond words.” In a post on X, he said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us… my thoughts are with everyone affected.” Flight AI171, en route to London with 242 people onboard, crashed shortly after takeoff. Rescue operations are underway, led by CISF personnel who swiftly activated emergency protocols at the crash site. The DGCA confirmed the crew issued a “Mayday” call before radio silence. Air India has released a helpline number (1800 5691 444) for families seeking information. (PC: X)

Air India flight AI171, heading to London Gatwick with 242 onboard, crashed near Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area on June 12, killing at least 133. The Boeing 787 issued a “Mayday” call shortly after takeoff but lost contact. PM Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words,” while UK PM Keir Starmer called it “devastating,” as 53 Britons were on board. CISF, fire, and emergency teams are leading rescue operations. A green corridor has been set up for medical response. Air India’s chairman expressed “profound sorrow,” and a helpline (1800 5691 444) is active for families. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu is en route. (PC: X)