Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: A Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating as Air India flight AI 171 bound for London Gatwick crashed into the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood just minutes after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The wide-body jet, carrying between 230–242 occupants (including 232–242 passengers and 10–12 crew), took off around 1:38 PM IST, but lost contact at approximately 1,800 feet and impacted ground nearly within 5 minutes of departure.

Eyewitnesses report a massive fireball upon impact, followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising from what appears to be a heavily fuelled aircraft.
Emergency services from the Ahmedabad Fire Department, State Disaster Response Force, police, and multiple ambulance units were swiftly deployed to carry out rescue operations.

Air India confirmed the incident via a statement on X (formerly Twitter):

“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.”

This marks the first-ever hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

Casualties & Ongoing Rescue Efforts*

Official figures on casualties remain uncertain. Authorities have not confirmed fatalities or injuries, but initial reports suggest at least 50 fatalities ([en.wikipedia.org][6]). The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Gujarat police are coordinating closely to evacuate survivors, treat the injured, and secure the crash site.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has announced the activation of an emergency control center and dispatched family support teams to assist those affected.

Government Response & Investigation*

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the incident as “devastating” and confirmed that all aviation and emergency agencies are fully mobilized.

Prime Minister’s Office and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been briefed. Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who has urged authorities to expedite rescue operations and establish medical “green corridors” for critical cases.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alongside a technical team from Boeing, has launched a full-scale investigation into the crash ([en.wikipedia.org][3]). Analysts note that the aircraft’s long-haul fuel load likely contributed to the severity of the post-impact fire, complicating rescue efforts ([en.wikipedia.org][3]).

Summary

• Flight: AI 171, Ahmedabad → London Gatwick
• Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB)
• Occupants: ~242 (230 passengers + 12 crew)
• Timeline: Crashed ~5 minutes post takeoff (~1:38 PM IST) in Meghani Nagar
• Casualties: Undetermined; initial estimates indicate significant fatalities
• Response: Full-scale rescue; NDRF and Air India support teams activated
• Investigation: DGCA & Boeing technical panel inspecting causes

Authorities will continue to provide updates as the rescue concludes and a formal investigation progresses.