On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 tragically crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing nearly everyone on board. The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was headed for London Gatwick but went down in the Meghani Nagar residential area shortly after takeoff.
According to Air India, there were 242 people onboard — 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Passengers included Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals. Sadly, reports estimate over 290 deaths, as people on the ground were also killed when the plane crashed into residential buildings.
The Sole Survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh
A British national of Indian origin, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived. Sitting in seat 11A, located near an emergency exit, Ramesh managed to escape the burning wreckage. He recalled that after the crash, he unbuckled his seatbelt and found a gap near the exit door to climb out.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Ahmedabad, he said,
“I don’t know how I survived. I saw people dying in front of my eyes… I just managed to escape somehow.”
His brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was also on board, did not survive. The survivor’s family described the tragedy as devastating.
What Caused the Air India Crash?
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Shortly after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time, the pilots issued a Mayday call to air traffic control. Video footage shows the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before plunging into the ground within seconds.
Investigators are focusing on several potential causes:
- Mechanical failure
- Human error
- Possible engine failure
- Landing gear issues (which may have remained extended after takeoff)
- Weather conditions
Both black boxes — the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder — have been recovered. Though one was damaged, authorities believe the data can still be retrieved.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a committee to examine every factor that contributed to this disaster.
Impact on the Residential Area
The plane crashed directly into Meghani Nagar, heavily damaging a medical college hostel. Several students and locals were also killed, adding to the tragedy’s toll. According to health officials, at least eight people on the ground died, including four medical students.
Victims Identified
Among the deceased were many families and notable individuals. Some of the identified victims include:
- Dr. Prateek Joshi (radiologist) and Dr. Komi Vyas, along with their three children.
- British couple Ashok and Shobhana Patel.
- British family Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara.
- Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat.
- Several British, Indian, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens.
- The plane’s captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kundar.
The full list of victims is still being compiled as families continue to identify their loved ones.
Global Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, expressing his condolences. Air India also issued a statement:
“Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of all those affected.”
The Ministry has promised a thorough investigation into this tragic accident, pledging to uncover the exact reasons behind one of India’s worst air disasters in recent history.
