A horrifying aviation disaster struck on Thursday, June 12, as Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just moments after takeoff — erupting into a massive fireball that was caught on camera.
Alarming Footage Captures Fiery Descent
Dramatic video footage now circulating online shows the harrowing final moments of the flight. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, can be seen struggling shortly after liftoff before nosediving into the ground, erupting in a blinding explosion near Meghani Nagar, a residential area in Ahmedabad, India.
“It is heartbreaking beyond words,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a public statement following the crash.
Flight Details: AI171’s Final Moments
According to Air India, Flight AI171 took off at 1:38 p.m. local time from Ahmedabad with its final destination listed as London. The flight was transporting:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British nationals
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7 Portuguese nationals
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1 Canadian national
Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced an “accident”, the airline reported via social media, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Plane Slams Into Residential Area & Medical College
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the aircraft went down near the Meghani Nagar district, with witnesses reporting the plane hit a local medical college.
“The crash site is devastating,” said Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, head of the DGCA, who confirmed the aircraft struck buildings upon impact.
Local authorities initially feared no survivors, but later reports confirmed that some passengers were pulled alive from the wreckage and transported to area hospitals. The situation remains fluid as emergency teams continue recovery efforts.
Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
As of this report, 204 bodies have been recovered, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik. While early statements suggested no survivors, that claim was later revised. Air India CEO confirmed that a number of passengers are hospitalized with injuries, and rescue operations are ongoing.
“We are on highest alert,” said India’s Aviation Minister, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, adding that medical aid and rescue teams have been mobilized across the region.
Official Reactions and Global Sympathy
Leaders across India and around the world have expressed sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families.
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Prime Minister Modi emphasized ongoing coordination with emergency teams.
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Aviation officials are launching a full-scale investigation into the crash, including aircraft maintenance records and flight data.
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The U.K., Portugal, and Canada have reached out through consular channels to assist their citizens involved in the crash.
What We Know So Far
| Flight | Air India AI171 |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Departure | Ahmedabad, India |
| Destination | London, U.K. |
| On Board | 242 people |
| Fatalities | At least 204 confirmed (ongoing) |
| Cause | Under investigation |
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the global aviation community and left families mourning across multiple continents. While investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation and focus on supporting the victims and survivors.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
