By Kingsley 
Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, 241 Dead, 1 Survivor
In a heartbreaking aviation disaster, Air India Flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people — 241 of whom have been confirmed dead. Miraculously, one passenger survived the catastrophic incident.
✈️ What Happened?
The aircraft departed Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time and crashed just five minutes later into a residential area near the airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane reached an altitude of just 625 feet before entering a steep descent at 475 feet per minute.
Witnesses captured video showing the plane flying low over buildings, followed by a massive explosion and plumes of smoke. Tragically, the crash also caused casualties on the ground, hitting buildings — including the dining area of B.J. Medical College.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are sending teams to assist.
Air India and Boeing have both confirmed their full cooperation. Analysts suggest potential technical irregularities, as footage shows the plane’s landing gear down and flaps up — opposite of expected flight configuration during takeoff.
The Sole Survivor
The only known survivor has been identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A. According to Dr. Dhaval Gameti of Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, Ramesh suffered multiple injuries but is currently stable and out of danger.
Casualties on the Ground
In addition to passengers, at least five medical students at B.J. Medical College were killed when the aircraft struck the dining hall. Nearly 50 others were injured, many critically. The Indian Army is actively involved in rescue and recovery operations.
Government and Global Reactions
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, called the crash “devastating” and assured swift response efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy is “heartbreaking beyond words.”
London Gatwick Airport is assisting Air India in setting up support centers for relatives.
Helplines:
Air India passenger info: 1800 5691 444
British consular support: +44 20 7008 5000
Boeing Under Scrutiny
This tragedy marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to Boeing’s historical data. The company expressed condolences and affirmed its commitment to assisting the investigation. Meanwhile, Boeing’s shares fell over 7% in pre-market trading.
Our Thoughts
This tragedy has shaken India and the international aviation community. While investigations continue, we honor the memory of the victims and send strength to their families and all affected.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.