On June 12, 2025, devastating Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London Gatwick.
Carrying 242 passengers and crew aircraft plummeted into a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, just 625 feet after takeoff. Only one passenger, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the disaster, seated in 11A near an emergency exit.
The crash, India’s deadliest aviation incident since 1996, claimed 241 lives on board and caused additional casualties on the ground, leaving the nation in profound grief.
Boeing 787, heavily fueled for its long-haul journey, erupted into flames upon impact, intensifying the catastrophe. Thick black smoke engulfed the area as the fire consumed the hostel buildings, nearby vehicles, and trees.
The intense heat, fueled by 125,000 liters of aviation fuel, left most bodies charred beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts. Gujarat authorities have requested DNA samples from families to identify the deceased. The crash site, marked by scattered debris and the plane’s tail atop the hostel, bore witness to the tragedy’s scale.
The aircraft struck the dining hall of BJ Medical College’s hostel during lunch, killing at least five MBBS students and injuring over 60 others, including seven intern doctors. One student escaped by jumping from the second floor, sustaining injuries but surviving. The hostel, home to medical students, suffered severe damage, with uneaten plates of food left amid the wreckage, highlighting the suddenness of the disaster.
Sole Survivor’s Miraculous Escape
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor, escaped through an emergency exit, emerging with bruises and scratches but otherwise unharmed. From his hospital bed, he recounted the horrifying moments: “Thirty seconds after takeoff, a loud noise shook the plane, and it crashed. Bodies were everywhere. I ran, scared, as plane parts surrounded me.” Ramesh, traveling with his brother Ajay, who remains missing, expressed anguish over his sibling’s fate. His survival, described as a miracle by experts, may be due to his seat’s proximity to the exit, possibly thrown clear during the crash.
Investigation Underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, supported by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, US National Transportation Safety Board, and Boeing, has launched a probe. One of the plane’s black boxes has been recovered, offering hope for answers. The flight, commanded by experienced Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours) and co-pilot Clive Kunder (1,100 hours), issued a Mayday call seconds after takeoff, but no further communication followed. Experts speculate potential causes, including pilot error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors like a bird strike, but emphasize that only a thorough investigation will reveal the truth. This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising fresh concerns about the model’s safety despite its previously strong record.
Victims and International Response
The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Leaders worldwide, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and US President Donald Trump, expressed condolences.
Modi, who visited the crash site and injured victims at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.” Air India, owned by the Tata Group, announced ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family and pledged to rebuild the damaged hostel.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Emergency response was swift, with over 35 teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and the Indian Army, deployed.
Over 25 fire engines, 15 JCBs, and numerous ambulances cleared debris and transported 269 bodies to Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital. A green corridor ensured rapid medical aid for the injured. Air India established a helpline (1800 5691 444) for affected families, and Gatwick Airport set up a reception center for relatives.
Boeing’s Safety Under Scrutiny
The crash has reignited concerns about Boeing’s safety record, already tarnished by past 737 Max incidents. Although the 787 Dreamliner had no prior fatal crashes, recent scrutiny over manufacturing practices has intensified. Aviation expert Alex Macheras noted the model’s strong safety history but stressed the need to investigate why the plane struggled to gain altitude.
A Nation Mourns
Ahmedabad’s hospitals are overwhelmed with bodies and grieving families awaiting DNA identification results.
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The crash, one of the world’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades, has left India reeling. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting survivors, victims’ families, and the affected community while seeking answers to prevent future tragedies.
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