In one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory, an Air India flight bound for London crashed near Ahmedabad’s airport on June 12 shortly after takeoff, killing at least 40 people and injuring scores more.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, went down at 1:17 PM near Dharpur in the Meghaninagar area, sending plumes of black smoke billowing over the city.
The crash has triggered a massive emergency response, with firefighters, NDRF teams, and medical units deployed on war footing.
Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian, Air India confirmed. The pilot issued a Mayday call moments before losing contact with Air Traffic Control, sources said.
National and international outpouring
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply alarmed, spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, directing them to reach Ahmedabad immediately. Shah, expressing he was “pained beyond words,” is set to arrive by 4 PM and oversee the response efforts.
Political leaders across the spectrum reacted with sorrow and urgency. BJP president JP Nadda called on party workers to assist in rescue operations. TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee demanded a transparent probe, while Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh called it “devastating.”
UK MP Priti Patel urged her government to coordinate with Indian officials, citing the large number of British nationals on board. Meanwhile, Boeing’s share price plunged 7.5% in early U.S. market reactions, adding global financial shock to the human tragedy.
What we know so far
• Flight Route: Ahmedabad to London
• Time of crash: 1:17 PM IST
• Passengers/Crew: 242 total
• Casualties: At least 40 confirmed dead; dozens injured
• Crash site: Near Dharpur, Meghaninagar area
• Cause: Under investigation; Mayday call made
As rescue operations continue through the wreckage, questions loom over the cause —technical failure, human error, or something more sinister. For now, India mourns, the world watches, and the families of 242 wait with shattered hearts.
