A tragic aviation disaster struck on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers and 12 crew—went down in a residential area near Meghani Nagar, close to a medical college hostel. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft descending rapidly before exploding into a massive fireball, with thick smoke engulfing the sky. Sadly, no survivors were found among the passengers, who included nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
The crash has deeply shaken the global aviation community, as this marks the first-ever fatal accident involving the Boeing 787, an aircraft previously known for its strong safety record. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed heartfelt condolences, while emergency services and officials work to support grieving families. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause, focusing on the critical moments leading up to the crash. As the world mourns the loss, investigators face immense pressure to uncover the truth behind this devastating tragedy.