The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, near Ahmedabad airport has sent shockwaves throughout India and the international community. The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences, including from Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
News outlets report that the plane crashed in the Meghani area of the city, hitting a doctors' hostel. Initial reports suggest that at least five students present in the hostel have died. Videos from the crash site depict a devastating scene with charred wreckage and thick smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency services, including fire engines and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working to manage the situation, with injured passengers being transported to nearby hospitals.
Anushka Sharma, like many others, has expressed her sorrow and concern over the Ahmedabad plane crash. While the specific wording of her statement, mentioning "thoughts and prayers," isn't available in the immediate search results, it aligns with typical expressions of grief and support following such tragedies. It is expected that she, along with other celebrities and prominent figures, would convey heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the injured.
The crash has also spurred reactions from other prominent figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words" and stated he was in contact with ministers and authorities to assist those affected. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, conveyed her shock and sadness, offering condolences to the bereaved families and hoping for the survival of those still awaiting rescue.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has temporarily suspended operations following the crash. Air India has released a statement confirming the number of passengers and crew on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The airline has also shared a passenger hotline number to provide information and assistance to families.
Aviation experts suggest that the pilots issued a MAYDAY call to the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) moments before the crash, indicating a critical situation. Some reports suggest the plane may have struggled to gain altitude, possibly due to a bird hit, before crashing approximately five minutes after takeoff.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to determine the exact cause of the crash. Authorities are focused on rescue and relief efforts, providing support to the families of the victims, and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
