Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad Airport, 30 Dead; Here’s what we know so far
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Ahmedabad: A tragic air crash involving an Air India Boeing Dreamliner took place near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 30 people and injuring several others. The flight, AI171, had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm, bound for London Gatwick, but crashed within five minutes of takeoff in the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated locality close to the airport.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft — identified as B787 VT-ANB — was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder as co-pilot. Visuals circulating on social media show a thick plume of smoke rising from the crash site, as emergency responders and local residents rushed to assist with rescue operations.
The crash site being close to residential buildings raised fears of greater casualties, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Several of the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Air India confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are in the process of gathering more information.”
Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expressed deep shock over the crash. "We are on highest alert. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to provide medical aid and relief at the crash site," he said, while confirming that he is personally monitoring the situation.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who rushed to Ahmedabad from Surat, directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on an urgent basis. He also announced the creation of a green corridor to speed up the transfer of injured passengers to hospitals. Patel said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him and assured full central assistance.
Speaking to reporters, Amit Shah said he has spoken with the Gujarat Chief Minister, state Home Minister, and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the crash and assured that the central government will extend all necessary help.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran offered his condolences and said the airline is focused on supporting the affected families. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site,” he said, adding that an emergency centre has been activated for families seeking information.
Operations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been temporarily suspended until further notice, an airport spokesperson confirmed.
London Gatwick Airport also issued a statement saying the flight was scheduled to land at 18:25 local time.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has dispatched the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) along with a team to Ahmedabad to begin a detailed investigation into the crash.
The exact cause of the incident is still unknown and will be determined after a thorough probe by the authorities.
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Delhi govt allows loudspeakers till midnight for Ramlila, Durga Puja festivities
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government on Monday permitted the use of loudspeakers and public address systems till midnight during Ramlila, Durga Puja, Dussehra and related events.
The relaxation, valid from September 22 to October 3, was granted with the approval of Lt Governor V K Saxena, following a request from the government.
The extension pushes the permissible time limit from 10 pm to 12 midnight, subject to adherence to the Noise Pollution Rules. In residential areas, organisers have been directed to ensure that sound levels do not exceed 45 decibels.
Officials said the relaxation comes after years of demands from organising committees for limited relief in timings during the festive season, and the decision seeks to strike a balance between cultural traditions and public health concerns related to noise pollution.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for granting the extension.
"Considering the long-standing request of Ramleela Committees, the government under CM Rekha Gupta has granted this," Sirsa said.
He added that the relaxation is a "time-bound facilitation to ensure smooth conduct of the festivals," emphasising that festivals "unite Delhi and this facilitation respects faith".
Sirsa, who also heads the Delhi government's Durga Puja Committee, said he had held several meetings with district magistrates, civic officials and representatives from agencies including MCD, PWD, Forest and Horticulture departments to ensure arrangements at venues.
"The government is ensuring all necessary facilities so that the smooth conduct of festivities can be ensured," he said.
