In a devastating incident on June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 242 people on board and causing multiple casualties on the ground. This marks one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent decades.

The flight took off at approximately 1:38 p.m. IST from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Within minutes, it lost altitude rapidly, crashing into a densely populated area in Meghani Nagar. Eyewitnesses reported a massive fireball, thick smoke, and a deafening explosion that shook nearby buildings. Emergency responders rushed to the scene with firefighting units, ambulances, and disaster response teams working tirelessly amid the wreckage and flames.

Flight AI171 was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, 7 from Portugal, and 1 from Canada. Among them, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reported to be on the passenger list, though confirmation of his status is still pending. On the ground, at least five medical students and several residents lost their lives as the aircraft plowed through buildings before impact.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the inquiry, working with Air India and Boeing representatives. Initial reports suggest a technical issue may have occurred during the aircraft's climb, with data indicating an unstable vertical descent before the crash. Weather conditions were clear at the time, ruling out natural factors.

World leaders have expressed their condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the event a “national tragedy,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy assured full support for British victims' families. A crisis center has been set up at London Gatwick to assist relatives arriving from overseas.

This incident is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in India and has raised renewed concerns about aircraft safety and airline crisis response. Boeing’s stock took a significant hit, dropping over 7% in pre-market trading, as the company pledged full cooperation with investigators. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the nation mourns a heartbreaking loss, with calls for a thorough investigation to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.