On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Ahmedabad was struck by tragedy when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the densely populated MeghaniNagar area just minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM IST. The flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, left a trail of devastation, with thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. As rescue efforts continue, the human toll of this disaster is tearing at the heart of Gujarat’s bustling capital.
Lives Shattered in Seconds
The crash site, a residential neighborhood near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, is a scene of chaos. Homes were reduced to rubble, and families who survived are grappling with loss. Early reports suggest significant casualties, though exact numbers are still unconfirmed as emergency teams battle intense flames. Videos circulating online show the wreckage engulfed in fire, with screams echoing in the background, capturing the horror felt across Ahmedabad.
Vijay Rupani Among Passengers
The presence of Vijay Rupani, Gujarat’s former CM, aboard Flight AI171 has amplified the tragedy’s weight. His family awaits news, with no confirmation of his condition. “We’re praying for him and everyone on board,” said a relative outside Civil Hospital. The passenger list also included students, professionals, and families heading to London, each with dreams cut short. Social media is flooded with tributes, with one user posting, “Ahmedabad weeps for its people. This is beyond words.
Families’ Anguish
At hospitals across Ahmedabad, loved ones are desperate for updates. Civil Hospital, where the injured are being rushed, has set up a help desk, but chaos reigns. “My brother was on that flight. I just want to know he’s okay,” said Priya Patel, tears streaming down her face. Volunteers and NGOs are stepping in, offering water and support, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. Over 1,200 beds are on standby, a grim sign of the expected toll.
A Community’s Pain
Meghani Nagar, a vibrant working-class area, is now a symbol of loss. Residents who escaped the crash are aiding rescue efforts, pulling debris alongside firefighters. The crash has also hit India’s collective psyche, with figures like Yusuf Pathan expressing shock: “Praying for the safety of all affected.” The nation mourns as one.
Questions Amid Grief
The crash, the first fatal passenger plane accident in India since Kozhikode 2020, raises urgent questions. Flightradar24 data shows AI171 reached just 625 feet before a MAYDAY call, plummeting at 475 feet per minute. Was it engine failure, a bird strike, or something else? The DGCA is investigating, with the black box yet to be recovered. Air India’s statement was brief: “Flight AI171 was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining details.” The airport remains closed, stranding thousands.web:4,12,16
India Rallies
The central government has pledged full support, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah coordinating with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “My heart goes out to the families affected by the Ahmedabad tragedy.” Relief funds are being mobilized, and helplines (1800-233-5555) are active. In Ahmedabad, blood donation drives are underway, with locals lining up to help. “We’ll rebuild, but first, we save lives,” said a volunteer.
A Wound That Will Linger
As night falls, Ahmedabad’s skyline is heavy with grief. The human toll—passengers, crew, and residents—tells a story of dreams lost and families broken. For every survivor pulled from the wreckage, countless others await closure. This tragedy will scar Ahmedabad, but its spirit of resilience shines through. India stands with its people, seeking answers and healing together.
Last Updated on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 5:42 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Thursday, June 12, 2025 4:50 pm | News Categories: News, India, Latest
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