On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The flight was en route to London Gatwick and was carrying 242 people: 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
The aircraft lost contact just seconds after departure, reaching an altitude of approximately 625 feet before descending rapidly. It crashed into a hostel building in the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in a massive fireball and thick black smoke . Emergency services responded swiftly, and over five firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene.
Remarkably, one survivor was found: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin. He was discovered in seat 11A, having escaped through an emergency exit.
Ramesh sustained chest, eye, and foot injuries and is currently hospitalized. He recounted the horrifying experience, stating that the crash occurred swiftly after a loud noise, and he awoke surrounded by debris and bodies.
The crash has resulted in at least 204 confirmed fatalities, with the remaining 38 individuals’ fates still uncertain. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly on board the flight.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by Indian authorities, Boeing, and international agencies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a formal investigation, with possible involvement of a technical team from Boeing.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “The tragedy of Ahmedabad has shaken us. My thoughts are with all those affected.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also called the incident “devastating” and extended his sympathies.
– Deeprows News
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