In a shocking and tragic turn, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 . As the aircraft climbed around 1:38 PM IST, it rapidly lost altitude and slammed into a building in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, erupting into a massive fireball with thick black smoke engulfing the surroundings .

Authorities confirm a distress Mayday call was issued before all communication ceased; emergency teams including NDRF, fire services, and ambulances were immediately dispatched. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent a probe team from Delhi to determine the cause of the crash .

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described himself as "shocked and devastated" , vowing a full investigation alongside the Gujarat government and Air India. The runway has been temporarily closed. With fears of major casualties, both survivors and potential victims are being rushed to nearby hospitals.

This disaster marks one of India's most serious recent aviation tragedies - updates on rescue efforts, injuries, and the probe are coming in fast.