An Air India passenger aircraft carrying over 100 people crashed during takeoff at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, triggering a large-scale emergency response. The flight was en route to Birmingham, according to an aviation source cited by Reuters.
Initial television reports showed harrowing visuals of wreckage engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the runway. Eyewitness footage also captured injured individuals being carried away on stretchers as ambulances and emergency personnel rushed to the scene.
Local reports had earlier suggested the aircraft, identified as Flight AI171, may have been headed to London and was carrying over 240 people. However, updated information indicates there were just over 100 passengers on board at the time of the crash.
The incident took place near the airport boundary in the Meghaninagar area, a densely populated district. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion shortly after the plane began its takeoff roll, followed by a fiery crash. Videos circulating online show burning debris and a heavy emergency presence.
Air India has acknowledged the incident, issuing a brief statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-Birmingham, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently gathering further details and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Authorities have not confirmed the number of casualties or the cause of the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced that an investigation will be launched once immediate rescue efforts conclude.
The crash has sent shockwaves across the country, with families of passengers anxiously awaiting news and the city of Ahmedabad reeling from the tragic event.
This story is developing. Further updates will follow.
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Source: Vietnam Insider