Thu Jun 12 09:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

An Air India flight, AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad Airport, in the Meghaninagar area. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed following a ‘Mayday’ call. The crash site is a populated area, and a large fire erupted after impact. Emergency services, including fire brigades and NDRF teams, are on the scene for rescue and relief efforts. The flight carried 169 Indian, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. Senior government officials are monitoring the situation, and Air India has launched an investigation and established helplines for affected families.

**News Article:**

**Air India Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport; Hundreds Feared Affected**

**Ahmedabad, India –** A major aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad this afternoon when Air India flight AI171, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), went down near the Meghaninagar area, close to Ahmedabad Airport.

The flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, reportedly issued a ‘Mayday’ call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) moments after departing from Runway 23 at 1:38 PM local time. Witnesses say the plane appeared to be unstable before crashing into a populated area just outside the airport perimeter. A large fire immediately engulfed the wreckage.

“We saw the plane lose control in the air, and then it just went down,” said a local resident. “The flames were enormous.”

Emergency services are on the scene, with over seven fire brigade units battling the blaze. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have also been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations. Authorities confirmed that 2 NDRF teams consisting of 90 personnel have been dispatched from Gandhinagar.

Air India has confirmed the crash and stated that the flight manifest included 169 Indian, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens.

“Air India is deeply saddened to confirm the crash of flight AI171,” said company chairman N. Chandrasekaran in an official statement. “Our immediate priority is to provide support to the families of those affected.”

The airline has established helplines and emergency centers for families seeking information.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, pledging full support from the central government. Chief Minister Patel has directed officials to prioritize rescue efforts and establish green corridors for transporting the injured to hospitals.

Early, unconfirmed reports circulated that former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board the flight, but these were later proven false.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and local authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. The area is currently under lockdown, and emergency personnel are continuing their search and rescue operations.

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