By Emeka Blast 
Hundreds on Board as London Flight Crashes in India
A devastating aviation disaster occurred today, June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick Airport, carried 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian .
Approximately five minutes after departure at 1:38 p.m. local time, the plane crashed into a densely populated area in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, striking a doctors’ hostel. The crash resulted in a massive fireball and thick black smoke, as captured in dramatic footage circulated by local media . The aircraft had issued a MAYDAY call before losing contact .
As of now, at least 30 bodies have been recovered, and many others are feared dead or trapped in the wreckage. Rescue operations are ongoing, with injured individuals being transported to nearby hospitals . This marks the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 .
Indian and UK officials have expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences. Emergency response teams have been deployed, and authorities have activated support centers for families. The cause of the crash remains under investigation .
