BREAKING NEWS UPDATE (As of 7:30 PM IST, June 12, 2025): Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Shortly After Takeoff.

A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashes shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, western India . The local police chief tells the BBC that 204 bodies have been recovered – it’s not known how many of those victims were on the plane, or were on the ground when the plane crashed. One passenger has survived, a local police chief says, with Indian media reporting he is British

What We Know So Far:

• The flight took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:17 PM and crashed minutes later, reportedly in a residential area close to the airport.
• The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people on board — 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew members, and 230 passengers.
• The passenger manifest included:
  • 169 Indian nationals
  • 53 British nationals
  • 1 Canadian national
  • 7 Portuguese nationals
• According to Flight Radar data, the aircraft gave a mayday call shortly after takeoff, but lost signal when it reached just 625 feet in altitude.
• Initial reports had suggested the crash occurred at around 825 feet, but updated tracking confirms signal was lost at 625 feet.
• Thick plumes of smoke were visible from the airport vicinity, and roads leading to the crash site have been closed to facilitate emergency response.
• Emergency services – including fire brigades, medical teams, and local authorities – have been deployed to the crash zone, where rescue operations are ongoing.
• The scene has been described as chaotic and urgent. BBC correspondent Roxy Gagdekar, reporting live from the area, said:“Everyone is running right now trying to save as many lives as possible.”

Official Statement:

Air India issued a brief statement earlier:

“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

Current Situation:

While the number of injured or casualties has not been officially confirmed, multiple injuries have been reported. Hospitals across Ahmedabad are on high alert. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India authorities are coordinating with rescue teams and are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident.

This remains a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available..

Flight AI171, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:17 PM, reportedly crashed from an altitude of 825 feet, shortly after lifting off. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the crash site near the airport, causing widespread panic and immediate lockdown of surrounding areas.

The aircraft was carrying at least 242 passengers. As of now, multiple injuries have been reported, although the extent of casualties remains unclear. Emergency services including fire brigades, medical teams, and airport rescue units rushed to the scene and are currently engaged in extensive rescue and relief operations.

Authorities have sealed off all routes leading to the airport, and air traffic has been temporarily suspended to ensure the smooth functioning of emergency operations.

Air India released a brief statement following the incident:

“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise moments after the plane took off, followed by smoke and a visible descent. Details on the possible cause of the crash are not yet confirmed.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and hospitals in the city have been put on high alert. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to initiate a full investigation into the crash.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for real-time updates.