A devastating aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash of flight AI171 has resulted in the confirmed deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, making it one of the worst single-plane crashes in India's history. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin named Ramesh Viswashkumar, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a residential area in the Meghani Nagar locality, near the B.J. Medical College hostel, approximately 5 kilometers from the airport. The impact and subsequent explosion resulted in a towering plume of smoke that was visible from afar. The crash site became a scene of unimaginable horror, with rescue workers and emergency services personnel battling the intense flames and sifting through the debris in search of survivors.
The immediate aftermath saw a massive response from local authorities, with fire engines, ambulances, and police units rushing to the crash site. However, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the high temperature caused by the burning fuel made any rescue attempts virtually impossible. The impact of the crash was so severe that many bodies were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing for identification.
In addition to the passengers and crew, the crash also impacted those on the ground. The plane, or parts of it, struck the cafeteria of the B.J. Medical College hostel during lunchtime, where over 100 students were gathered. According to the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), 50 medical students were admitted to the hospital, with at least four students missing and two in critical condition. The exact number of casualties on the ground is still being assessed.
Air India has confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the aircraft involved was a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8. The airline has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and has pledged to provide all necessary support and assistance. According to Air India, the flight manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
The Indian government has initiated a formal investigation into the crash, led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in accordance with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The National Transportation Safety Board of the United States and Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch are also sending investigators to assist in the probe. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has offered full support to the investigation.
News of the crash has prompted reactions from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump offered assistance to India, while condolences have poured in from other international figures.
This tragedy has revived memories of past aviation disasters in India, including the Air India Express Flight 812 crash in Mangalore in 2010 and the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in 1996.
