Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why did the police take away Aryan, who recorded the video of the plane crash?

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Terror in the Skies: Ahmedabad Plane Crash and the Teenager Who Captured It

Ahmedabad, India – June 2025

In what has become one of India’s most devastating aviation tragedies, a passenger aircraft carrying 242 people crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, leaving 241 dead and just one survivor. While the nation mourned the loss and investigators scrambled to determine the cause, the video that first surfaced capturing the final seconds of the doomed aircraft’s descent stunned millions across the world. Behind the lens of that chilling footage was Aryan, a 17-year-old boy who had never seen an airplane fly so close to the ground before.

The video—widely shared across social media platforms—showed the aircraft flying unusually low over the Meghani Nagar neighborhood. Seconds after Aryan stopped recording, the plane plummeted to the ground, erupting into a fireball. Aryan’s reaction: fear, disbelief, and a decision he said he’s certain of—he never wants to board a plane in his life again.

The Crash

The aircraft, reportedly a Boeing Dreamliner, had just taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Witnesses say it was flying at an unusually low altitude before crashing near a densely populated area. The crash occurred around 1:39 p.m., and emergency crews were at the scene within minutes. But the scale of the disaster was immense.

Among the 242 people aboard, only one survived. More than 30 people on the ground were also injured, and damage to nearby buildings has left dozens homeless. The impact site—close to the IGP compound in Meghani Nagar—was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke. “We thought it was an earthquake,” one local resident said. “Then we saw fire and heard people screaming.”

A Teenager’s Accidental Witness

Aryan, a 17-year-old who was visiting the city from his village, was standing near his rented home in Omkar Nagar, Meghani Nagar. It was his first time seeing a plane fly so close. Amazed, he took out his phone and began recording the moment. What started as curiosity turned into horror.

“I was just making a video to show my friends back in the village,” Aryan later said in an interview. “The plane looked too low. I thought it would fly over and be gone. But within 24 seconds of recording, it exploded. I was so scared. I never want to see a plane again.”

His sister, who was at home, was the first to see the video on his phone. Initially, she thought it was just another casual recording. But as soon as she saw the footage and realized what had happened, she was shaken.

“My brother had no idea he was capturing a tragedy,” she said. “It was the first time he saw a plane up close. He was just excited.”

Viral Video and Police Involvement

The video quickly went viral, first shared through WhatsApp and later picked up by national and international news channels. It was shared without context at first—just a blurry but alarming clip of a jetliner wobbling midair before vanishing behind a building. Soon after, reporters and authorities traced the footage back to Aryan.

On Saturday afternoon, officers from Gaekwad Haveli Police Station arrived at Aryan’s home. His family was surprised and alarmed. The police asked Aryan to accompany them for questioning. Since Aryan is a minor, his father went along with him.

According to the police, Aryan was not arrested. He was brought in as a witness to provide a statement and to verify the authenticity of the video. Authorities confirmed that he had sent the video to his father, who may have forwarded it further. They believe the video helped establish the timeline of the crash and offered critical visual evidence for the investigation.

“There is no crime in recording a video,” a police official said. “But we had to verify the origin, as it became central to the public’s understanding of the crash.”

Aryan was allowed to return home later that evening.

Community in Shock

The Meghani Nagar neighborhood, especially near Omkar Nagar Corner, remains in shock. Residents describe the moment of the crash as surreal and terrifying.

“It felt like the world was ending,” said Shubham Gupta, a neighbor of Aryan. “We saw the plane fly over our rooftops. It was unstable. We had a feeling something was wrong. Then the crash, the sound—it was like a bomb.”

Locals rushed to their terraces to see what had happened. Smoke filled the sky, and pieces of debris fell onto nearby homes. Emergency vehicles struggled to enter the narrow lanes, and chaos ensued.

For many in the area, the incident has caused lasting trauma. Some residents are staying with relatives in other parts of the city, afraid to return home. Children have been unable to sleep through the night.

Aryan’s Family Speaks Out

Aryan’s family has been overwhelmed by media attention. His sister has defended him, saying he never intended for the video to become public.

“He was just filming something unusual,” she explained. “He’s not a reporter. He doesn’t want attention. He didn’t understand what would happen.”

His parents are concerned about the psychological impact the event may have on Aryan. Since the incident, he has been unusually quiet and withdrawn.

“He doesn’t talk much,” his father said. “We just want him to be okay.”

A Tragedy Under Investigation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full investigation into the crash. Initial theories suggest mechanical failure or a bird strike, but nothing has been confirmed. Black box recovery is underway, and international aviation experts are assisting in the analysis.

Air India has pledged full cooperation and has offered condolences to the victims’ families. A memorial service is being planned in Ahmedabad for those who lost their lives.

The Ethics of Viral Tragedies

The incident has reignited debates around the ethics of sharing footage of tragedies online. While Aryan’s video provided a crucial look at the moments before the crash, some have criticized the speed with which it spread on social media.

Experts warn of the psychological toll such viral content can have—especially on minors who unexpectedly find themselves in the public eye.

“Aryan is just a boy,” said a child psychologist from Ahmedabad. “He didn’t sign up for this. He witnessed something traumatic and now must also face public scrutiny. It’s vital that we treat him with compassion, not suspicion.”

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, the nation grieves. For Aryan and his family, the experience has left deep emotional scars. He never imagined that a simple video made for his village friends would turn into a national spectacle.

“I was just recording a plane,” Aryan said. “Now, everything has changed.”

In the aftermath of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, the story of a frightened teenager with a smartphone reminds us how, in the age of technology, ordinary people often become the first witnesses to extraordinary—and tragic—events.

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