Chilling CCTV footage has emerged, capturing the moment Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The devastating incident, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, has claimed the lives of over 200 people, with only one confirmed survivor reported so far.
The CCTV footage, taken from the airport and surrounding buildings, paints a grim picture of the flight's final moments. The aircraft can be seen accelerating down runway 23, appearing to take off normally. However, seconds after lifting off, the Dreamliner struggles to gain altitude, flying level for a short period before beginning a fatal descent. The video then shows the plane disappearing behind buildings, followed by a massive explosion and plumes of thick black smoke rising into the sky. The 32-second video encapsulates the horror from takeoff to impact.
According to reports, the flight crashed in the Meghaninagar area, impacting residential quarters of doctors from BJ Medical College and students. The impact caused a massive fire, with parts of the plane scattered across the area. Initial data indicates that the aircraft barely reached a height of 625 feet before crashing just outside the airport perimeter. The aircraft backtracked to the end of the runway before beginning its take-off roll.
Air India confirmed that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident. The flight manifest indicated that there were 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The crew consisted of two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumit Saburval, a line training captain with extensive flying experience.
Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Rescue teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF, and Coast Guards are also involved in the search and rescue operations. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of over 200 bodies, with the possibility of more casualties as rescue efforts continue. One passenger has been pulled alive from the wreckage.
The crash has sent shockwaves throughout India and the international community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu visited the crash site and promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Several eyewitnesses reported that the plane was flying very low before it crashed into the residential quarters, causing extensive damage. The impact of the crash was so severe that it ignited a massive fire, engulfing the surrounding buildings. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, with experts pointing out that this is the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The Ahmedabad airport has issued an advisory asking passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates before heading to the airport. An emergency center has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts and providing support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
