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[global-newsupdates]

Air India flight to London crashes after takeoff in Ahmedabad with 242 onboard, including former CM of Gujarat Vijay Rupani

A major aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad on Thursday (12) afternoon when an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers and 12 crew members—when the incident occurred in the Meghaninagar area, close to the airport.

Immediate Aftermath: Fire and Emergency Response

Eyewitnesses and initial footage from the scene showed thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, with debris on fire and widespread panic in the surrounding residential neighborhood.

The crash happened just minutes after the plane took off at approximately 1:15 pm IST, with the last signal from the aircraft recorded seconds after departure, according to flight tracking data.

Emergency services responded rapidly. At least two dozen ambulances, fire brigades, and police teams rushed to the site to begin rescue and relief operations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dispatched a team of investigators from Delhi, and an emergency center was activated at the airport to assist families seeking information6910.

High-Profile Passengers and Official Reactions

Among those onboard was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly listed as passenger number 12. There is Read More….