Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes in Ahmedabad, Leaving 246 Dead

By Boncopia News Team | June 13, 2025 | Global News

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the world was shaken by the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick, United Kingdom. The tragedy claimed the lives of 246 people, including 230 passengers, 12 crew members, and several individuals on the ground. Amid the wreckage, one passenger miraculously survived, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise heartbreaking catastrophe. Here, we delve into the details of the incident, the ongoing investigation, and the human stories emerging from this disaster.

What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?

Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. local time (8:08 a.m. BST). Moments after takeoff, the aircraft issued a mayday call to air traffic control, signaling distress. Within 30 seconds, the plane, struggling to gain altitude, crashed into a medical college hostel in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, just 1.5 kilometers from the runway. The impact ignited a massive fireball, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky and complicating rescue efforts.

The Boeing 787-8, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members. The passenger manifest included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Tragically, 241 of those on board perished, along with at least five individuals on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 246.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A next to an emergency exit, recounted his harrowing escape. “I heard a loud boom just 30 seconds after takeoff. Everything happened in front of my eyes,” Ramesh told Indian media from his hospital bed in Ahmedabad. “I managed to unbuckle myself and crawl out of a broken emergency exit.” Despite multiple injuries and disorientation, Ramesh’s survival has been described as a miracle.

A Community in Mourning

The crash’s impact extended beyond the aircraft, striking a medical college hostel during lunch hour. The debris tore through walls, shattered windows, and claimed lives among those inside. Rescue teams, aided by sniffer dogs, combed through the wreckage on Friday, recovering bodies and evidence. Distraught families gathered outside Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, waiting to identify loved ones.

Among the victims were families, professionals, and students. Dr. Prateek Joshi, his wife, and three children from Derby, UK, were remembered by the Derby Hindu Temple as cherished community members. Khushboo Rajpurohit, a young woman returning to her husband in London, shared a final photo with her father at the airport. Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, a dance and yoga teacher from Liverpool, and his husband, Fiongal, were also among those lost. Tributes poured in, highlighting the diverse lives touched by this tragedy.

One story of survival stood out: Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old student from Bristol, missed the flight by 10 minutes due to traffic delays. “I was dejected when they didn’t let me board,” she told the BBC. “Now, I realize how lucky I am.”

The Investigation: What Caused the Crash?

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, is leading the probe. Both black boxes—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—have been recovered, offering critical clues. Investigators are focusing on the Boeing 787’s engine thrust, wing flaps, and landing gear, as well as Air India’s maintenance practices.

Preliminary theories include engine failure, a bird strike, poor maintenance, or weather-related challenges. Ahmedabad’s temperature exceeded 40°C (104°F) on Thursday, creating thinner air that may have required higher flap settings and greater engine thrust for takeoff. Some experts, like former pilot Neil Hansford, have raised the possibility of sabotage, citing political tensions in Gujarat, though no evidence supports this claim.

The aircraft, delivered to Air India in January 2014, was over a decade old. India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered Air India to conduct safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8/9 fleet, powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines. Boeing and GE Aerospace are cooperating with the investigation.

This crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. For Boeing, already grappling with safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny, the disaster poses a significant challenge for its new leadership. Air India, undergoing a revitalization effort, faces questions about its operational standards.

Global Response and Support

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, expressing condolences and pledging support. Air India established assistance centers at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to aid families. London Gatwick’s CEO, Stewart Wingate, expressed solidarity, and the UK Foreign Office is coordinating with Indian authorities.

British officials have offered support to Ramesh’s family, though his relatives reported difficulties securing visas to visit him. The Indian High Commission in London provided an emergency contact number (07768765035) for visa assistance. Social media posts reflected global grief, with users sharing prayers and calls for accountability.

A Critical Look: Questions of Accountability

While the investigation unfolds, the crash raises broader questions about aviation safety. Boeing’s recent history of safety crises, including the 737 MAX incidents, has eroded public confidence. Air India’s maintenance regime is under scrutiny, particularly as the airline seeks to modernize its fleet. The crash’s timing—during a period of high temperatures and political tensions in Gujarat—adds complexity to the narrative.

Yet, speculation about sabotage or systemic failures must be approached cautiously. Without concrete evidence, such theories risk overshadowing the human toll and the need for thorough, transparent investigations. The recovery of both black boxes offers hope that answers will emerge, but as Air India’s CEO noted, “Investigations will take time.”

Moving Forward: Lessons from Tragedy

The crash of Flight AI171 is the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade, surpassing incidents like the 2014 Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy. Its impact resonates globally, from Ahmedabad’s grieving communities to London’s anxious families. As investigators piece together the puzzle, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies.

For now, the world mourns the 246 lives lost and celebrates the resilience of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. His survival reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. As we reflect on this tragedy, let us honor the victims by advocating for safer skies and supporting those left behind.

Thought Questions for Readers

1. How can the aviation industry balance modernization with rigorous safety standards to prevent future disasters?

2. What role should international cooperation play in investigating and addressing global aviation incidents?

3. How can communities support families affected by such tragedies, both emotionally and practically?

Sources: Information compiled from reputable news outlets and official statements, ensuring accuracy and neutrality. For the latest updates, visit trusted news platforms or Air India’s official channels.