Passenger Plane with over 240 onboard crashes in India

A passenger plane with over 240 people onboard has crashed near Ahmedabad, India; rescue operations are currently underway.

Air India Flight AI171, carrying 242 people (230 passengers and 12 crew), crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed at 13:38 local time en route to London Gatwick. Just five minutes later, it crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area near the airport, triggering a massive fire and thick smoke visible across the city.

Eye‑witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing the plane plunge. Emergency services dispatched seven fire engines and rescue teams to the scene, swiftly initiating search and relief efforts.

The exact cause of the crash remains unclear. A distress “Mayday” call was transmitted before communication ceased. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have launched investigations, with the aircraft’s black box expected to clarify details.

Indian officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, are closely monitoring operations. The airport has been shut temporarily, and a support center for passengers’ families has been activated.

The crash marks the first hull loss of a Boeing 787 since its introduction and India’s deadliest plane crash in years. With possible high casualties, authorities are under increasing pressure to expedite rescue operations and transparency.

As families await updates, the incident could prompt a broader safety review of Boeing 787 aircraft. International aviation regulators are likely to follow India’s investigation for indications that may impact global flight safety norms.

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