12 JUNE 2025 FACT RECORDER
BREAKING: Air India Boeing 787 Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad, Rescue Operations Underway
National Desk: Ahmedabad, – An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff this afternoon, triggering a massive emergency response. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down minutes after departure, with reports indicating a sudden loss of altitude.
Key Updates on the Crash:
Timeline of the Incident:
The flight took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport between 1 PM and 2 PM local time.
Preliminary data suggests the plane reached around 825 feet before rapidly descending.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by thick smoke near the crash site.
Emergency Response:
Over two dozen ambulances, fire tenders, and disaster response teams rushed to the scene.
Several injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals, while rescue operations continue.
Authorities have cordoned off the area, diverting traffic to aid emergency efforts.
Official Statements:
Air India confirmed the incident, stating: “We are ascertaining details and will share updates soon.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed shock, assuring “highest-level monitoring” and immediate relief efforts.
London Gatwick Airport acknowledged the flight was scheduled to land at 18:25 (local time).
Tata Group & Air India Chairman’s Response:
N. Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow”, extending condolences to affected families.
An emergency support team has been activated for relatives seeking information.
Aviation Safety Concerns:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation.
This marks one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent years, raising questions about aircraft safety protocols.
What’s Next?
Search & rescue operations remain the top priority.
Black box recovery will be crucial in determining the cause.
Authorities are expected to release passenger manifests and casualty figures in the coming hours.
