Three Minutes After Takeoff, Tragedy Struck — 242 Souls, and the Sky in Flames

National News: At 1:17 pm, Air India flight AI171 lifted off from Ahmedabad airport, destined for London Gatwick. By 1:20 pm, it had crashed near the Mental Hospital campus in Meghani Nagar — barely three kilometers from the runway. The aircraft, carrying 242 souls, burst into flames upon impact. The blaze engulfed nearby homes, vehicles, and trees. Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His presence on board sent shockwaves through political circles. As the aircraft’s rear reportedly struck a tree during takeoff, chaos erupted mid-air, and the jetliner plunged into a densely populated area. Within minutes, emergency sirens drowned the screams of panic-stricken residents.

Flames in the Sky, Screams on the Ground

Fire engines rushed through the narrow lanes of Meghani Nagar. Rescue workers pulled out the injured — many burned, some unconscious — while smoke blackened the sky. Police sealed all surrounding roads. Residents described it as a war zone. “It felt like a bomb exploded,” said a survivor. The plane’s wreckage was strewn across houses, vehicles, and rooftops. Flames leapt stories high, licking the sides of apartment buildings. Gujarat’s Chief Minister rushed to the spot. Hospitals nearby overflowed with casualties. Meanwhile, Air India confirmed the incident via social media, but offered no early comment on survivors.

Was This Preventable? Questions the Nation Is Asking

Initial reports suggest the aircraft’s tail struck a tree during ascent. How did a takeoff path intersect with obstacles? Was the pilot informed? Was there a lapse in airport surveillance or flight planning? Aviation experts are already demanding a high-level probe. The accident site, being in a residential zone, worsened the damage. Many on the ground suffered injuries from flying debris. Questions of compensation, accountability, and infrastructure negligence now grip the public discourse. Calls for an immediate inquiry by DGCA have already begun echoing through Parliament.

The Nation Holds Its Breath

The crash of AI171 has left a scar that will take years to fade. Families await news of loved ones. The nation awaits answers. And amid the twisted metal and burning remains, India is reminded once again that air travel, though routine, can turn deadly in moments. With hundreds of lives altered forever, today’s date — June 12, 2025 — will now be etched into aviation history as a black mark. The final word is yet to come, but the grief is already unbearable.