A tragic aviation disaster struck India on June 12, when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. The Boeing Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, when it went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood near the airport.

Moments after liftoff, the plane lost contact with air traffic control. Eyewitnesses described plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Videos on social media showed debris scattered across rooftops and streets.

Rescue teams rushed in as emergency responders worked through the wreckage. Indian officials say the cause is under investigation, and no fatalities have been officially confirmed yet—but the damage appears catastrophic.

Air India and Indian government leaders expressed deep sorrow, with the airline pledging full support to victims’ families and launching an emergency response center. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families,” said Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran.

The crash adds to a string of tragedies involving Boeing aircraft in recent years. The world now waits anxiously for answers, and for news of possible survivors.