Mystery and Tragedy Unfold as London-Bound Plane Plummets into Quiet Neighborhood with 242 Lives at Risk
Well, isn’t this one for the headlines? An Air India passenger plane, packed with 242 souls, was all set to glide off to London but instead made a surprise—and frankly terrifying—crash landing in Ahmedabad. Imagine being on the edge of your seat just seconds after takeoff, only to find the plane spiraling out of control with no response to the Mayday call. It’s a scene ripped from a thriller but distressingly real as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner met the ground near the airport, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. While officials scramble and questions hover in the air like everyone’s favorite in-flight snack, one can’t help but wonder—how does an aircraft with seasoned pilots go from zero to catastrophe so fast? Stay tuned, because as rescue teams race against the clock and the nation watches breathlessly, this is one story that’s still unfolding. LEARN MORE
Additional reporting by Avi Gopani
WARNING: This article contains details and images some readers may find distressing
An Air India passenger plane en route to the United Kingdom has crash-landed in Ahmedabad.
There were 242 people on board the flight, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew, which was traveling to London.
Local media are reporting that the crash occurred when the plane was taking off.
The plane was due to land at London Gatwick Airport on Thursday evening
Image credits: AdityaRajKaul/X
It has now been confirmed that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner sent a Mayday call but did not respond to further attempts at contact.
The aircraft then crashed into the ground outside the airport perimeter, with footage shared on social media showing large dark plumes of smoke in the area.
Other footage has captured the exact moment the plane crashed and appears to show the aircraft descending towards buildings.
Image credits: AdityaRajKaul/X
It continues to drop and then there is a massive explosion, with flames billowing into the sky.
Officials have not yet commented on whether there are any reported casualties, but reports suggest people were taken to a nearby hospital.
Air India has confirmed that 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals were aboard the flight.
Image credits: AdityaRajKaul/X
Rescue teams have been mobilized to the scene, with the plane crashing close to a civil hospital near the airport.
The hospital has declared an emergency, and all physicians’ holidays have been cancelled. Local media is reporting that 15 doctors have been injured in the crash on the ground.
More than 50 ambulances have reached the civil hospital near the airport, ABP News reported.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is thought to be aboard the plane, after his boarding pass was verified by ABP News.
Officials have not yet commented on the number of casualties
Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash#Ahmedabadpic.twitter.com/jmKkgJbHeU
— TVK Vijay Trends (@TVKVijayTrends) June 12, 2025
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” an Air India spokesperson said.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran also released a statement sending his thoughts to all of those involved.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” he said.
— Sayyed Gulam Gausul Vara (@sayyedgulam95) June 12, 2025
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.”
An emergency center has been activated and a support team has been set up for families seeking information.
Image credits: nitin_gadkari
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is “shocked and devastated” to learn of the crash.
“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
Rescue teams remain at the scene amid a large emergency response
Thoughts with all affected. #AirIndiaCrash#ahmedabadplanecrash#Ahmedabad#ahmedabadairport 🚨 Heartbreaking News from Gujarat 💔
An Air India flight has crashed during takeoff near Meghani, Ahmedabad.
Rescue ops are underway — situation critical. 🙏Let’s unite in prayers and… pic.twitter.com/C6I4Mklgxn
