Introduction
Air India crash Ahmedabad marks a devastating event as Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London’s Gatwick, plummeted shortly after lift-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. All but one of the 242 people onboard perished, alongside multiple civilians on the ground.
When and Where the Crash Happened
The aircraft departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 IST and lost altitude less than a minute into the flight. At just 625 ft altitude, it crashed into a doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar area. The pilot broadcast a mayday call but then disappeared from radar.
Casualties on Board and On Ground
- 242 people aboard: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and 12 crew.
- 241 onboard are believed killed; one passenger survived.
- At least eight people on the ground, including medical students, were killed.
The Sole Survivor: ·Vishwash Kumar Ramesh·
A British national seated in row 11A, Ramesh emerged miraculously from seat 11A—adjacent to an emergency exit—walking out through a broken door. He described the crash as a “miracle” and spoke of tears and pain but credited timing and location for his survival.
Experts noted his survival hinges on sheer luck and specific dynamics that evening. His account is a rare glimmer amid the tragedy.
Disaster Response and Investigation
Emergency crews, including the Army and NDRF, reacted swiftly to extinguish fires and recover bodies. Both black boxes have been recovered, with flight data recorder intact and cockpit recorder investigation ongoing. India’s aviation regulator has ordered thorough safety checks on all Boeing 787 aircraft.
A preliminary probe is focusing on engine thrust, flap position, and landing gear deployment, as safety authorities examine possible technical or human errors.
Global Response and Support
Indian PM Narendra Modi visited the crash site and the survivor in hospital. UK PM Sir Keir Starmer also offered solidarity, with support teams deployed for British nationals. Tata Group, Air India’s owner, pledged compensation and hospital expense coverage for affected families Air India crash Ahmedabad.
What Might Have Caused the Crash?
- Flap retraction during takeoff might have reduced lift.
- Landing gear seemed to still be deployed.
- Engine thrust anomalies are being investigated.
- Weather was reportedly clear, shifting focus to technical factors.
Conclusion
The Air India crash Ahmedabad is approximately India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. As families await identification via DNA matching and legal scrutiny grows, the incident highlights concerns over Boeing 787 safety. Ongoing investigations aim to reveal the truth behind the tragedy.
Follow more on this story and updates at The Morning News Informer – World News.
