Ahmedabad— A devastating aviation tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad this afternoon when an Air India aircraft operating as Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, went down in the residential Meghani Nagar area around 1:38 PM.

The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Initial reports suggest the plane experienced a technical failure shortly after takeoff and crashed within minutes.

Local residents reported hearing a loud noise followed by flames and thick smoke engulfing the crash site. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigades, and ambulances, arrived swiftly and began rescue and relief operations amid challenging conditions.

Though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, multiple fatalities are feared, and several injuries have been reported among both passengers and local residents. The crash also caused structural damage to nearby buildings in the densely populated neighborhood.

Air India has confirmed the incident and stated that a detailed investigation is underway. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the probe into the cause of the crash, with technical support from relevant experts.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and assuring full government support for rescue and recovery efforts.