The crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has sent shockwaves through the world. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The crash occurred in the Meghani area of the city, resulting in a massive fire due to the plane's heavy fuel load. While rescue operations were immediately launched, the incident has left behind a trail of devastation and grief. Amidst this tragedy, a story of miraculous escape has emerged.
Bhumi Chauhan, a resident of Bharuch, Gujarat, narrowly avoided being on the ill-fated flight. She arrived at the check-in gate just ten minutes late and was denied boarding. According to Chauhan, the airline staff informed her that allowing her to board would cause further delays. Reluctantly, she had to turn back. This delay, caused by traffic in Ahmedabad, inadvertently saved her life. "We arrived at the check-in gate 10 minutes late, but they didn't allow me, and I returned. They said that it would delay the flight further. I was late because of traffic in the Ahmedabad city area," Chauhan recounted.
The news of the crash left Chauhan in shock and disbelief. "When I came to know that the flight had crashed, I was totally numb. I thank my mother Goddess that I am safe, but the incident is absolutely terrifying," she expressed. Chauhan's survival is nothing short of a miracle, a twist of fate that spared her from the tragic end met by so many others.
The Air India crash has claimed the lives of 241 people. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The aircraft, which took off at 1:38 p.m. local time, crashed near B.J. Medical College hostel, a mere five minutes after takeoff. The impact and subsequent explosion occurred while over 100 students were having lunch.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Meghaninagar, inspected the debris removal operation, and met with those injured at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He was accompanied by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences and assured full support from the central government in managing the aftermath of the crash.
Air India has confirmed the incident and stated that they areAscertaining the details. According to sources, the flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals on board. One survivor was found in seat 11A and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed operations with limited flights. An emergency center has been activated, and support teams have been established to provide assistance and information to the families of the victims. The Civil Aviation Minister has assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the crash.
The tragic Air India crash has not only brought immense sorrow but has also highlighted the fragility of life. While the world mourns the lives lost, stories like Bhumi Chauhan's serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fate and the miracles that can occur even in the face of tragedy.
