ARTICLE:-
THE PLANE CRASHED IN INDIA
Table of Contents
Introduction
On June 12, 2025, at approximately 13:38 IST, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner registered VT‑ANB on its Ahmedabad → London Gatwick route, crashed mere minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 people onboard—232 passengers and 12 crew—initial reports indicate a major catastrophe in the residential area of Meghani Nagar. Thick plumes of black smoke were visible across Ahmedabad, prompting immediate rescue operations oneindia.com+10theguardian.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10airsafe.comen.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1oneindia.com.
Flight Details
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Flight Number: AI 171 (ICAO: AIC171)
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Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (11 years old) en.wikipedia.org
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Registration: VT‑ANB
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Departure: Ahmedabad (Runway 23), 13:38 IST navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+15wsj.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15
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Destination: London Gatwick Airport, UK
Sequence of Events
Moments after takeoff, Flight AI 171 reached approximately 625 feet when it issued a MAYDAY distress call, then lost all communication and descended rapidly zeenews.india.com+12wsj.com+12theguardian.com+12. Witnesses reported multiple explosions followed by thick black smoke rising from afar huffingtonpost.es+3en.wikipedia.org+3news.com.au+3.
Crash Circumstances & Site
The aircraft impacted just outside the airport perimeter, landing in Meghani Nagar—a residential locality. It reportedly struck the boundary wall before bursting into flames, generating a massive smoke plume visible from surrounding regions like Dharpur youtube.com+14theguardian.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14.
Onboard: Passengers & Crew
Total onboard: 242 (232 passengers, 12 cabin crew, plus 2 pilots); nationalities included 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian indiatimes.com+6wsj.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6. Among passengers was former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani business-standard.com+6oneindia.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6.
Emergency Response
Five to seven fire engines, ambulances, and at least three NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams were mobilized immediately indiatimes.com+1navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+1. Ahmedabad’s firefighting departments sealed roads surrounding the impact area, aiding rescue efforts .
Immediate Aftermath
Ahmedabad Airport operations were suspended. Authorities diverted flights and established emergency hotspots. An emergency hotline and media centre were set up, aiding families and guiding media attention .
Casualties & Injuries
As of the latest updates, casualty and survival details remain unconfirmed. High-risk of fatalities noted, while some injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals indiatimes.com. Ongoing rescue operations continue amid uncertainty.
Aircraft Background
The Boeing 787‑8, new to service since 2011, boasts a strong safety profile until this crash. VT‑ANB had completed regular cycles without major incidents indiatimes.comeconomictimes.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
Previous Safety Record
Globally, the Dreamliner has maintained a commendable record, with past incidents such as lithium battery overheating (2013) and engine fires—none fatal until now oneindia.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1. This is the first fatal hull loss of its kind business-standard.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3.
Investigative Process
The DGCA (India’s aviation regulator) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched formal investigations. Preliminary focus: flight data, maintenance logs, crew actions, and possible mechanical failure en.wikipedia.org+12business-standard.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12. AAIB technicians and Boeing specialists have been dispatched.
Reactions & Statements
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Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat’s Chief Minister, stressing a swift response zeenews.india.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5news.com.au+5.
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Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu labeled the incident “shocking and devastating” and affirmed high alert, tasking all agencies to respond news.com.au+2business-standard.com+2indiatimes.com+2.
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Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed “deepest condolences” and pledged full support to victims and families cadenaser.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4wsj.com+4.
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UK Government confirmed monitoring and readiness to support British casualties .
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Boeing experienced a dip in share prices following the crash reports .
Impact & Implications
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For Boeing: Stock futures dropped ~7%, pressuring investigations due to Dreamliner’s disgraceful first hull loss en.wikipedia.org.
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For Air India: This is the first major accident since being privatized under Tata in 2022 business-standard.com.
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For Indian Aviation: Heightened scrutiny on safety regulations and implementation protocols expected.
Support & Relief Efforts
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Trauma counselors and medical personnel deployed to hospitals.
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Family assistance centres at Ahmedabad airport offering coordination of flights, lodging, and updates.
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Additional oxygen, firefighting materials, and logistical support rushed via rail and road.
Historical Context
Ahmedabad airport’s last major crash was Indian Airlines Flight 113 in 1988, a fatal CFIT incident that killed 133 people aaib.gov.inyoutube.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2simpleflying.com+2. Air India’s last major fatal crash was Flight 182 (1985 bombing). The Dreamliner was notably free of hull losses until this incident airsafe.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
Conclusion
June 12, 2025, marks one of the gravest aviation tragedies in India’s recent history. While rescue operations continue and investigations progress, the crash of Air India Flight AI 171 has already impacted aircraft safety discourse, airline reputations, and national sentiment. Lessons drawn might reshape future aviation protocols worldwide.
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