A devastating एयर इंडिया plane crash near Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has claimed the lives of over 260 people. The London-bound flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, went down shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM local time on Thursday, June 12, 2025, crashing into a residential area in the Meghani nagar neighborhood. The crash resulted in a massive explosion and fire, with smoke plumes visible for miles.
The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. Among those on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese citizens. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the deceased.
In a statement, एयर इंडिया confirmed that 241 individuals perished in the crash. However, in what officials are calling a miraculous turn of events, one passenger, identified as British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the impact. Ramesh, who was seated near an emergency exit, reportedly managed to jump from the wreckage. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. India's Home Affairs minister met with Ramesh at the hospital. Ramesh told reporters that thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise.
Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police, swiftly responded to the scene. Authorities are working to clear the area and manage the aftermath of the tragedy. The airport has released a statement advising passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, potentially with the assistance of a technical team from Boeing. Preliminary investigations suggest the heavy fuel load for the long-haul international flight may have exacerbated the post-crash fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would be the U.S. government's primary representative and the FAA will provide technical support.
This incident marks the first crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, according to Boeing's April 2025 statistical summary of incidents. Boeing has offered its full support to the investigation, with President and CEO Kelly Ortberg expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through India and the international community. Condolences and messages of support are pouring in from around the world. An emergency center has been activated, and support teams are being established to provide assistance and information to the families of those affected by this devastating एयर इंडिया plane crash. The crash has cast a spotlight on India's history of aviation disasters.
