Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India — A catastrophic aviation disaster occurred this afternoon in Ahmedabad when Air India Flight AI171, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, plummeting into a densely populated residential area of MeghaniNagar. The flight, which took off between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, was carrying 242 passengers, including crew members.
Air India plane crash Eyewitnesses:
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud and terrifying explosion that echoed through the area, followed almost immediately by thick plumes of dark, choking smoke billowing into the sky. The sudden blast shattered the calm of the early afternoon, sending shockwaves across the quiet neighborhood. In a matter of moments, the peaceful streets were engulfed in scenes of panic, destruction, and utter chaos. Residents ran for cover, screaming and trying to comprehend the disaster unfolding before them.
According to preliminary accounts, the aircraft, identified as Air India Flight AI171, appeared to lose altitude just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Struggling to stay airborne, the plane reportedly veered off course before crashing violently into several densely populated residential buildings in the Meghani Nagar area. Debris rained down across the vicinity, setting off multiple fires and causing widespread devastation. Emergency services rushed to the scene as plumes of smoke continued to rise, visible from miles away.
The exact cause of the crash is still unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether the aircraft sent out any distress signals before impact. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but the densely packed neighborhood and narrow lanes posed significant challenges for fire trucks and ambulances.
Local residents described scenes of horror. “We heard a deafening noise, followed by a massive explosion. Everything shook. When we came out, we saw flames and parts of the plane in our street,” said Ramesh Patel, a MeghaniNagar resident.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the crashed flight was Air India’s long-haul international service to London. It departed on schedule, and early reports indicate there were no immediate signs of technical issues during takeoff. However, a full investigation is now underway, with teams dispatched from Delhi and Mumbai to assist.
The roads leading to and from the airport have been sealed, and security has been heightened around the crash zone to support ongoing rescue operations and prevent crowding. Officials have urged citizens to stay away from the area and allow emergency teams to work without obstruction.
Firefighters are battling blazes in both the plane wreckage and nearby homes that caught fire due to the crash. Rescue teams are carefully combing through the debris, looking for survivors. Several victims have already been rushed to local hospitals, but officials have yet to confirm casualties.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, in a press briefing, said, “We are dealing with a large-scale tragedy. Our first priority is saving lives. The crash site is very sensitive, with damage to both the aircraft and several civilian homes.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep anguish, tweeted: “Shocked and saddened by the crash of AI171 in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with the passengers, their families, and all those affected. Rescue efforts are ongoing with full support from the center.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also announced an emergency meeting and declared full state support for relief operations. Helpline numbers have been issued by Air India and local authorities for families of passengers.
This crash marks one of the worst aviation incidents in India in recent years, and the country mourns as the full scale of the tragedy unfolds. More official details, including passenger identities, cause of crash, and rescue progress, are expected in the coming hours.
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