India Mourns as Air India Jet Crashes Minutes After Takeoff
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed just seconds after becoming airborne, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board. The aircraft crashed into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area of the city, causing further casualties on the ground.
The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals on the ground, with over 60 others injured. The lone survivor from the flight, identified as a British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously escaped with serious injuries and was seen walking away from the wreckage before being taken to a hospital. His survival has been described as nothing short of a miracle.
Among the passengers were several travelers from Udaipur, Rajasthan, many of whom were students and families headed to the UK for summer holidays or academic pursuits. The incident has deeply shaken the Udaipur community, where candlelight vigils and prayer meetings have been held in memory of the victims. Local officials in Udaipur have been working with authorities to support the families affected and facilitate communication with investigative agencies.
Authorities swiftly responded to the disaster, with Indian emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Air Force, and specialized rescue teams, arriving on site within minutes. A massive fire broke out due to the explosion, complicating rescue operations. The black box, which includes the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, was recovered later that day and is expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause of the crash.
The incident prompted immediate international concern. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences to the victims’ families and assured full support for the investigation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III also extended sympathies, especially as several British nationals were on board. A COBRA emergency meeting was convened by the UK government to address the international implications and support measures for affected families.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising questions about the aircraft’s safety profile. Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India and international aviation bodies, including the UK’s AAIB and the US’s NTSB, have launched investigations into the incident. Analysts are expected to look into a range of factors, including mechanical failure, flight crew actions, and possible environmental influences.
In the immediate aftermath, flights from Ahmedabad were suspended, and Air India announced it would cooperate fully with all inquiries. The airline also stated that it would provide compensation and assistance to the victims’ families. The crash has reignited concerns over urban development near airports and the readiness of emergency services in such densely packed zones.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on uncovering what led to this catastrophic event, ensuring accountability, and preventing such a tragedy from recurring. For now, the nation and the world mourn the devastating loss of life and await answers.
