The aftermath of the Air India flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad is a scene of devastation, grief, and a desperate search for answers. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board. The crash site, located in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, is a grim reminder of the tragedy, with debris scattered across the residential quarters of doctors from BJ Medical College.
The sole survivor, Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, miraculously escaped from seat 11A. He described the horrifying moments leading up to the crash, stating that the plane felt like it came to a standstill in the air for 5 to 10 seconds before the disaster. He escaped with burns on his hand and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The impact of the crash was devastating, with the plane hitting buildings inside the residential complex and bursting into flames. The heavy fuel load for the long-haul journey intensified the post-crash fire, complicating rescue efforts. Tragically, several medical students who were having lunch at the time were among those killed, their lives cut short in an instant.
Families of the victims have been arriving at the crash site and the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, desperately seeking information about their loved ones. The process of identifying the deceased is underway, with authorities collecting DNA samples from family members to aid in the identification process. The pain and anguish of those who lost their loved ones are palpable, with many expressing their grief and demanding answers about what caused the crash.
Indian authorities have launched a formal investigation into the crash, with assistance from experts from the U.K. and the U.S. Both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the wreckage, which should provide valuable insights into the circumstances leading up to the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also expected to conduct a thorough investigation, along with a technical team from Boeing.
In the wake of the crash, the Indian government is considering temporarily grounding Air India's Boeing 787 fleet as a precautionary measure. The crash is the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising concerns about the safety of the aircraft.
The Air India crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and the international community. As investigations continue, families are mourning their loss, seeking answers, and hoping that measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
