Ahmedabad was struck by tragedy on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, plummeted into a residential area near B.J. Medical College, resulting in a devastating scene of destruction and loss.
In the wake of the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad on Friday, June 13, 2025, to assess the situation and express his condolences. Modi first visited the crash site in the Meghaninagar area, where he met with rescue officials and teams working to manage the aftermath. The Prime Minister described the scene as "saddening" and acknowledged the immense loss and suffering caused by the tragedy.
Following his visit to the crash site, PM Modi proceeded to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met with individuals injured in the crash. Among them was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the ill-fated flight. Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, miraculously escaped the crash with relatively minor injuries. He recounted his harrowing experience to the Prime Minister, describing how the aircraft seemed to struggle immediately after takeoff before crashing. He was seated next to an emergency exit, which allowed him to escape after the plane broke apart.
During his visit, PM Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of the government's support during this difficult time. He acknowledged the deep pain and void left behind by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of life.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. The flight data recorder, or "black box," was recovered from the wreckage within 28 hours of the accident, marking a significant step forward in the investigation. The data from the recorder will be crucial in understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from experts from the UK and the US.
In response to the crash, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered enhanced safety inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. These inspections will include "power assurance checks" to be carried out within two weeks, as a preventative measure.
The Air India Flight 171 crash is one of the worst aviation disasters in India's history. The incident has prompted widespread grief and mourning, with political parties cancelling events as a sign of respect for the victims. The government has activated an emergency control room to coordinate the response and provide support to the affected families. Air India has pledged to be transparent in communicating updates on the investigation and providing assistance to the families of the passengers and crew.
