The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with the death toll now standing at 274. The London-bound flight AI171 crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, impacting a residential area and a medical college hostel.

The initial reports confirmed 241 fatalities, encompassing passengers and crew members. However, the tragedy extended beyond those on board, as 33 individuals on the ground also perished. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members, was heavily fueled for its long-haul journey, intensifying the explosion and subsequent fire. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.

While most victims have been identified, the search continues for a woman and her granddaughter who were in the hostel mess when the plane crashed. Ravi Thakor, the woman's son, is desperately seeking information about his mother and daughter, who remain untraceable.

Amidst the sorrow, a glimmer of hope emerged with the miraculous survival of Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national. He is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital. He recalls the aircraft struggling after takeoff, followed by the impact and his subsequent escape.

The crash site became a scene of intense activity as rescue and investigation teams worked diligently. The aircraft's black box was recovered from a rooftop near the crash site, a crucial step in determining the cause of the accident. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full-scale investigation, with support from American and British investigation teams. Preliminary investigations point towards the aircraft struggling to gain altitude after takeoff, with a "Mayday" distress call being issued by the pilot. Inspections are being conducted on other Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with the injured, expressing his condolences and assuring full support from the central government. Air India has established assistance centers at various airports to support the families of the victims. DNA testing is underway to identify the charred remains, a grim but necessary process to bring closure to the grieving families.