Ahmedabad (Gujarat), June 12: An Air India Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick airport crashed near Ahmedabad’s Shahibaug area shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, with 242 people on board. The incident has triggered a massive emergency response, with central and state agencies mobilised for rescue operations.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his grief and assured swift action. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he posted, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action…”
Fire services, local authorities, and multiple rescue teams rushed to the site, which lies close to the airport perimeter. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Air India B787 aircraft (registration VT-ANB), operating flight AI-171, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
According to DGCA, the aircraft was commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar. Onboard were 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew, and 230 passengers.
Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), consisting of 90 personnel, were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with three additional teams on the way from Vadodara to strengthen the ongoing rescue mission.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened, speaking with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner. Shah assured full assistance from the Central government.
Chief Minister Patel shared his response on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the incident… I have instructed officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work on a war footing and ensure priority treatment for the injured. A green corridor has been ordered to transport patients swiftly to hospitals. Amit Shah ji has also assured full cooperation.”
The crash occurred moments after takeoff, prompting immediate concern over aircraft malfunction. Further investigation is underway, with updates expected from DGCA and Air India.