Breaking! Air India Plane Crash: 130+ Dead, Rescue Efforts Underway

What Was the Chilling ‘Mayday’ Call Before Air India’s Deadly Crash?

June 12, 2025: In a devastating aviation tragedy, at least 133 people have been confirmed dead after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed near the Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon.

Also Read: Air India Flight Crash Sends Shockwaves Across Nation: What We Know So Far!

The aircraft, Flight AI171, was en route to London Gatwick and had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board. The crash occurred at approximately 1:17 PM, with eyewitnesses reporting a fiery explosion near Dharpur, close to the Meghaninagar area.

Passenger Breakdown

The flight was carrying a mix of international travelers, including:

169 Indians
53 British nationals
7 Portuguese citizens
1 Canadian national

Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, with fire brigades and ambulances responding to the thick smoke and blaze visible from several kilometers away. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, though the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

High-Level Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing them to travel to Ahmedabad immediately and oversee rescue efforts.

“All possible assistance must be extended to the victims and their families,” the PM stated.

Minister Shah also spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, coordinating efforts for medical support and logistics.

Background

Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced technical difficulties shortly after liftoff. A Mayday call was reportedly made before contact with the flight was lost.

What Happens Next?

Identification of victims is underway.
Black box recovery and DGCA investigation will follow.
Air India has issued a statement confirming the crash and promised updates.

A National Tragedy

This crash marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent years. Families of passengers are being contacted, and helpline numbers are expected to be released soon

Disha Rojhe