Breaking news : Disaster in India. Plane to London crashes on takeoff. Massive fire breaks out

Air crash in Ahmedabad, India. Air India flight to London Gatwick crashed on takeoff. The tragedy occurred at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. According to various reports, there could have been many passengers on board. It is likely as many as 242 people. We are waiting for further reports.

Airplane crash to England! Crashed in India, 242 people on board
Dramatic news is reaching us from India. In the western part of the country today, June 12, a tragic plane crash occurred. Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick Airport) crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. There is no full information on the number of victims at the moment, but an intensive rescue operation is underway. It is believed that there were 242 people on board.

Witnesses said the plane crashed into Ahmedabad’s Meghani area, causing a massive fire.
According to local sources and Agence France-Presse, the plane – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration number VT-ANB – took off at 08:08 UTC, but contact with it was lost just a few dozen seconds later. Witnesses report that the plane crashed into the Meghani district of Ahmedabad, causing a huge fire.
According to an AFP reporter, thick black smoke was seen rising from the airport. Firefighters and medical services immediately began operations at the crash site. The entire area was cordoned off, and residents were advised to stay indoors.

Air India issued a short statement:

“Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are currently investigating the details of the incident. Further information will be posted on airindia.com and on our X account (@airindia).”Flightradar24 confirmed that the last signal from the aircraft was received at 08:08:51 UTC – just a few seconds after liftoff. The data indicates a rapid loss of altitude and speed. The flight log is being reviewed and the final moments before the crash are being reconstructed.

The Indian authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the cause of the incident. However, it is known that the full crew and passengers travelling to the UK were on board.

As new information comes in, an announcement from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected, as well as a possible investigation by an independent air accident commission. Flights from Ahmedabad may be diverted or delayed until full operational safety is restored.