Police officials confirm airplane with 242 on board crashed into medical college hostel
ArchiveFirst published June 12, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Air India flight AI171, heading from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff on June 12. The aircraft slammed into a medical college hostel in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood, sending smoke billowing into the sky.
The plane was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the number of fatalities has not yet been confirmed.
Footage shows the aircraft making a sharp descent before a fiery explosion. Ahmedabad Airport suspended all operations, urging passengers to check with airlines for updates as the situation evolves.
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran called it a “tragic accident” and offered “deepest condolences” to affected families. “Our focus is on supporting everyone impacted and aiding emergency responders,” he said. An emergency center has been activated to assist loved ones as investigations continue.
