A devastating Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad, India, has claimed the lives of over 240 people, including several British nationals. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, impacting a residential area and a medical college hostel.
The crash has resulted in a massive loss of life, with Air India confirming 241 fatalities, comprising 229 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Authorities are still working to recover all bodies from the crash site. India's Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that authorities have begun conducting DNA tests on the victims and collecting samples from families.
In a remarkable turn of events, one passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who is treating Ramesh, reported that he was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body but seems to be out of danger.
The United Kingdom is providing assistance to India in the aftermath of the tragedy. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arranged crisis teams in both India and the UK and chaired a meeting of the government's emergency committee. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. A multidisciplinary investigation team is being deployed to India to support the Indian-led investigation.
British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family are encouraged to call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at 020 7008 5000. London Gatwick Airport has also set up a reception center for relatives of passengers, where information and support will be provided. The airport is liaising closely with Air India to provide assistance to those affected.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown and is under investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are also heading to India to assist local authorities. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also offered its support and assistance in the investigation.
Speculation regarding the cause includes the possibility of a double engine failure or the aircraft's flaps not being extended during takeoff. However, the exact cause will only be determined after a thorough investigation involving the analysis of the plane's black boxes and examination of debris.
