Air India Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad with 242 On Board: Rescue Operations Underway

Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: Shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed in a startling and terrible occurrence. At 1:38 pm IST, the plane took off, headed for London.

Initial reports state that rescue personnel were sent right away to the crash location, which was about 12 kilometres from the airport. As police, fire departments, ambulances, and rescue workers raced to the area, thick smoke was visible rising from the debris.

Emergency Response in Full Swing

In a statement, Air India confirmed the mishap and stated that emergency medical assistance is being given. “The security and welfare of the crew and passengers are our top priorities. To guarantee all available assistance, we are collaborating closely with local law enforcement and rescue groups,” the airline stated.

Families and worried relatives can now call a dedicated helpline. The emergency hotline can be reached at 1800 5691 444 for further information.

Air India posted an update on social media site X (previously Twitter) stating that all injured passengers are being taken to local hospitals. Patients are being admitted to several Ahmedabad hospitals that have been put on high alert, including Sterling Hospital and Civil Hospital.

Nationalities and Government Reactions

Air India confirmed that the flight was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese. In a statement, the UK government also expressed its concern and said it is working closely with Indian authorities to provide support for its nationals.

British citizens can call the UK Foreign Office helpdesk at 020 7008 5000 if they need consular assistance or information about friends and family.

Portugal and Canada have not yet made official remarks, although it is thought that their consulates in India are in communication with the local government.

Investigation Underway

The incident has been taken up by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which has confirmed that an operational control room has been activated. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other organisations are collaborating with this control centre.

The Ministry made the following contact details available to anyone looking for updates:
011-24610843 Control Room; 9650391859 Helpline

Air India has promised that it is fully assisting investigators in the interim. Although the precise cause of the disaster is yet unknown, preliminary information from eyewitness reports and flight monitoring systems points to a possible technical issue with the aircraft during ascent.

Local Authorities and Police Assistance

A comprehensive emergency reaction has also been initiated by Ahmedabad City Police. To ensure that emergency services can function without hindrance, they have requested that the public stay away from the collision site. Police have established an emergency contact number, 07925620359, for public enquiries and updates.

Before impact, witnesses said they heard a loud bang and saw the plane swiftly descending. It was horrible. According to Sanjay Patel, who lives in a nearby village, “the ground shook and smoke filled the air.”

Stories of Heroism and Solidarity

On-scene rescuers are receiving recognition for their courageous actions and prompt response. Before medics arrived, residents of neighbouring villages were observed tending to injured passengers. Numerous people are receiving medical attention after being successfully pulled from the wreckage.

The region is rough and littered with rubble, and rescue and recovery attempts are being aided by thermal imaging drones and floodlights as darkness falls.

A Nation Mourns, But Unites

In an X post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.” For the impacted families, prayers. To help the injured, our agencies are working nonstop.

Given that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is regarded as one of the safest contemporary aircraft, aviation analysts and professionals have expressed disbelief over the incident. The DGCA is anticipated to initiate a formal investigation with Boeing engineers’ assistance.

Officials and volunteers on the ground are working tirelessly to rescue and assist those impacted as the country struggles with this disaster.

For Assistance and Information:

• Air India Emergency Helpline: 1800 5691 444
• UK Foreign Office (for British nationals): 020 7008 5000
• Ministry of Civil Aviation Control Room: 011-24610843
• Additional Helpline: 9650391859
• Ahmedabad Police Emergency Info Line: 07925620359

Please stay tuned to verified news sources and official channels for continuous updates