Many feared dead as London-bound flight crashed moments after takeoff

Dozens of people are feared dead after an Air India flight carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed moments after takeoff on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, the incident occurred in India’s western city of Ahmedabad, with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was on a flight to London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom, crashing less than five minutes after takeoff.
Viral videos online showed thick smoke coming from the crash site, as emergency vehicles and crews rushed to the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile, state-owned airline has confirmed the incident, adding that investigation has commenced to determine the details of the crash.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” the airline said in a social media post.
Furthermore, authorities of Gatwick Airport have also confirmed the incident, stating in a post on X that it “can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
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