Massive fireball seen as aircraft crashes within minutes of take-off; emergency response underway
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 (2:40 PM IST) — A devastating tragedy struck today as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flight number AI 171, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad airport while en route to London Gatwick.
Crash Details: Flight Fell From 825 Feet
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft lost altitude and crashed at 1:38 PM IST, just moments after take-off. A dramatic video circulating on social media shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before slamming into the ground and erupting into a massive fireball.
The aircraft was heavily fuelled for the long-haul flight, which contributed to the scale of the explosion upon impact. Aviation experts confirmed that the aircraft had reached only 825 feet before the catastrophic failure.
“This was clearly a failure to generate sufficient lift at an extremely low altitude,” aviation analyst Sanjay Lazar told The Quick Update.
🚨 Rescue & Emergency Response
- Over two dozen ambulances rushed to the site.
- Multiple fire engines are engaged in dousing the flames.
- Thick black smoke is visible across Ahmedabad’s western periphery.
- Police and airport authorities have sealed the area and diverted traffic to assist emergency operations.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, followed by flames engulfing the aircraft. Visuals show burning debris and scattered wreckage over a large area.
Official Statements and Response
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement:
“Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has been involved in an incident shortly after departure. Details are being verified and updates will follow soon.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is “personally monitoring the situation” and has directed all aviation, rescue, and medical agencies to initiate a coordinated and swift response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the incident and has spoken to the aviation minister. Home Minister Amit Shah is heading to Ahmedabad to assess the situation firsthand.
What We Know So Far
Key InformationDetailsFlight NumberAI 171Aircraft TypeBoeing 787-8 DreamlinerRouteAhmedabad to London GatwickTotal Onboard242 (232 passengers + 10 crew)Crash Time1:38 PM ISTCrash Altitude825 feetCrash CauseSuspected lift failure (under investigation)
Investigation & Recovery
The DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are launching a full investigation into the crash. Black box recovery efforts are underway. Air India has also formed an internal emergency response team to coordinate with families of passengers and assist local authorities.
Counseling and helplines will be activated shortly for those seeking information on passengers.
