A tragic aviation disaster has struck India. Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025. Just minutes after liftoff, the pilot issued a rare Mayday distress call before the aircraft went down near Ghoda Camp.

Eyewitnesses reported explosions, dark smoke, and fire as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Thick smoke and debris made rescue efforts difficult, and early reports suggest all 242 onboard may have perished. Local residents described the crash as catastrophic.

Air India expressed deep sorrow, with Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stating the airline is focused on supporting families and coordinating with authorities. Investigators, including the DGCA and international aviation experts, are examining the wreckage and flight recorders to determine the cause.

The pilot’s Mayday call indicates a sudden, extreme emergency, though the exact reasons remain unclear. As the nation grieves, authorities promise transparency, while families await answers to this heartbreaking tragedy.