A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash, which claimed 241 lives and left only one survivor, has sent shockwaves through India and the global aviation community, prompting urgent questions about aviation safety, emergency response, and the circumstances leading to the disaster.
Timeline of the Incident
- Departure: Air India Flight AI171 took off at 1:38 PM local time (08:09 GMT) from Ahmedabad, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
- Crash: Within a minute of takeoff, the aircraft lost signal at an altitude of just 625 feet (190 meters), according to flight tracking data.
- Impact: The plane issued a mayday alert before all communication ceased and crashed into Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area near the airport, striking a hostel for doctors and medical students.
- Aftermath: Thick plumes of smoke and flames rose above the city as emergency services rushed to the scene. Rescue teams and bystanders worked desperately to save lives, but the intensity of the fire—fueled by nearly 125,000 liters of jet fuel—hampered their efforts.
The Human Toll
- Fatalities: Of the 242 people on board, 241 have been confirmed dead, making this one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian history.
- Sole Survivor: The only survivor, identified as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was found in seat 11A and is currently hospitalized.
- Ground Casualties: The aircraft’s impact on the BJ Medical College hostel and surrounding area caused additional deaths and injuries among residents and students, though the exact number is still being determined.
- Nationalities: The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation:
“I was at home when we heard a massive sound. When we went out to see what had happened, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over.
- Bystanders rushed to assist, with some risking their own safety to pull victims from burning wreckage.
- Multiple fire engines and ambulances responded rapidly, but the intense blaze and destruction complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
- Authorities have initiated DNA testing to help identify victims and are collecting samples from families of those presumed to be on the flight.
Official Reactions
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us. It is beyond heartbreaking. In this difficult time, my thoughts are with all those impacted.
- Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the scale of the tragedy and met with the sole survivor, refraining from sharing specifics about his condition.
- Air India called the event a “tragic accident” and pledged full support to families and investigators.
What Could Have Caused the Crash?
- The exact cause remains unknown and is under investigation by Indian authorities, with assistance from US and UK experts.
- Experts suggest possible causes could include mechanical failure, flap or engine issues, or a bird strike, but no definitive conclusions have been reached.
- Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt noted that the plane appeared to have its landing gear down and flaps up at a time when they should have been reversed, based on crash footage.
- Weather was not a factor, as conditions were clear with light winds and good visibility.
- The black boxes (flight data and cockpit voice recorders) have not yet been recovered, which will be crucial for determining the sequence of events.
Questions & Answers
Q: How many people survived the crash?
A: Only one person, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived and is currently hospitalized.
Q: Were there casualties on the ground?
A: Yes, the aircraft struck a hostel for doctors and medical students, resulting in additional deaths and injuries among those on the ground.
Q: What is being done for the victims’ families?
A: Authorities are conducting DNA testing for identification and providing support to families. Air India has pledged assistance to those affected.
Q: Has the cause of the crash been determined?
A: The cause is still under investigation. Experts are considering mechanical failure, flap or engine issues, or a bird strike as possible factors.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: Indian authorities, in coordination with US and UK specialists, are analyzing available data, searching for the black boxes, and examining the wreckage.
Impact on Ahmedabad and Aviation
- The crash has left a profound impact on Ahmedabad, home to 7–8 million people and a major hub for flights to the UK, especially for the Gujarati community.
- The airport was immediately shut down, and all flights suspended until further notice.
- The disaster is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since its commercial introduction in 2011.
Key Points at a Glance
- Air India Flight AI171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard.
- The sole survivor is a British national who is expected to recover.
- The crash site included a hostel for medical professionals, leading to additional casualties and devastation in the local community.
- The cause of the crash remains unknown; investigations are ongoing with international assistance.
- The tragedy has led to an outpouring of grief and support from Indian leaders and the global community.
This is a developing story. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and provide support to victims’ families. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Here are the primary sources of information used for the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash news, along with external links to their official websites:
For more news and articles related to gaming or any other types of news stay at esportbuzz.