Over 240 people died when an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 struck a residential area near a medical college, causing widespread devastation. A lone survivor was rescued, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of this tragic aviation disaster.
What happened?
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed a mere 30 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick when it plunged into a residential area, striking buildings near a medical college.
Casualties and the lone survivor
Tragically, at least 241 people on board lost their lives, according to airline and official statements. The death toll includes 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Incredibly, one passenger—British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A—miraculously survived with injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet.
Impact on the ground
The jet crashed into a building associated with B.J. Medical College and Hospital, killing an estimated 5 to 28 people and injuring dozens more—including medical students. Thick smoke and flames enveloped the scene, with parts of the plane embedded in structures across a wide area.
Pilot’s emergency call
The cockpit issued a Mayday soon after takeoff, with the pilot reporting a loss of engine thrust. Flight data shows the aircraft climbed only to about 625 ft before descending. After the distress call, contact with the plane was lost.
Response and investigations
Rescue teams—including NDRF, IAF, BSF, and fire services—rushed to the crash site. Over 200 bodies were retrieved, with many identifying charred remains. A black box has been recovered. Agencies in India, the UK, and US (NTSB, AAIB) are collaborating on the probe.
Government and industry reactions
- UK PM Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating” and pledged full consular support.
- King Charles III and other global leaders expressed deep condolences.
- Boeing and Air India announced they are fully cooperating with investigators.
Airport operations suspended
Ahmedabad Airport halted departures, and Gatwick confirmed AI171 never arrived. Operations gradually resumed after safety checks cleared the runway.
Significance
This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its 2009 debut, and the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since 9/11. Investigation focuses on potential technical failures, including thrust loss, landing gear status, or bird strike.
Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Flight | June 12, 2025 – AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick |
| Aircraft | Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner |
| Passengers/Crew | 242 aboard (230 passengers, 12 crew) |
| Fatalities | At least 241 onboard, with additional casualties on the ground |
| Survivor | British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh |
| Cause | Under investigation (Mayday call reported engine issues) |
| Response | Rescues underway, black box retrieved, multi-agency probe active |
| Reactions | Condolences from Indian, UK, and global leaders; Boeing & Air India cooperate |
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of modern aviation safety and the need for transparency in investigations. The collaboration of international agencies reflects a unified effort to understand what went wrong so such a catastrophe can be prevented in the future.
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