Thursday, June 12, 2025, began as a typical day for travelers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. However, it soon turned into a scene of devastation following the crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, departed from Runway 23 at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC). Shortly after takeoff, the pilots issued a "Mayday" call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), signaling a full emergency. Tragically, this was the last communication received from the aircraft. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the plane losing altitude rapidly before crashing in a ball of fire, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky.
The impact occurred near the residential quarters of doctors and nursing staff of the City Civil Hospital and B.J. Medical College in Meghaninagar, a crowded area close to the airport. The crash not only claimed the lives of those on board but also caused casualties on the ground, as parts of the plane struck the college's hostel, particularly the dining area, during lunch hour.
Initial reports painted a grim picture, with authorities fearing the worst. Kanan Desai, a top city police officer, confirmed to Reuters that over 200 people had died. Ahmedabad's city police commissioner told the Associated Press that there appeared to be no survivors from the plane. However, amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged when it was reported that one person had survived the crash. Dr. Dhaval Gameti at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital examined the survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, noting that he was disoriented with multiple injuries but seemingly out of danger.
The news sent shockwaves across India and the world. Air India confirmed the tragic outcome, stating that 241 of the 242 people on board Flight 171 had perished. The passenger manifest revealed that among those on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Rupani was also reported to be among the passengers.
In the aftermath of the crash, rescue operations were immediately launched. Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu traveled to Ahmedabad to assess the situation. The Ahmedabad airport temporarily suspended flight operations but later resumed services. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a probe into the crash, and one of the black boxes has been recovered, which should provide valuable insights into the cause of the accident. The NTSB is also sending a team to assist in the investigation.
The crash has brought renewed scrutiny on Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787-8 Dreamliner. While the aircraft model generally has a good safety record, this incident marks its first fatal crash. The tragedy also comes amidst ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing, particularly after recent incidents involving its 737 Max jetliners.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on providing support to the families of the victims and understanding the factors that led to this devastating event.
