Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad
A Day India Will Never Forget
What was supposed to be a routine international flight turned into one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history. On June 12, Air India Flight AI171, bound for London from Ahmedabad, crashed moments after takeoff—claiming over 265 lives and leaving the nation stunned.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off around 1:30 PM IST from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Just seconds after liftoff, the pilot issued a distress call. The plane failed to gain proper altitude and crashed into the hostel building of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar. Eyewitnesses described a loud blast followed by a massive fireball.
đź’” Who Were Onboard?
The flight was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, nearly everyone on board perished in the crash. The heartbreak didn’t stop there—dozens of students living in the hostel that was hit also lost their lives.
In an almost unbelievable twist, one man—Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian seated in 11A—survived. Rescued with only minor injuries, he is currently recovering in a local hospital.
🏥 Rescue & Emergency Response
The response was immediate. Firefighters, NDRF teams, and the Indian Army reached the crash site within minutes. Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the evening, navigating burning debris and collapsed concrete. Over 265 bodies have been recovered so far, and identification efforts are still ongoing using DNA testing.
Air India and Tata Group have set up emergency helpdesks and are flying in relatives of victims from across India and abroad.
🕵️ What Caused the Crash?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, here’s what we know so far:
- The plane never reached safe cruising altitude and failed to retract its landing gear.
- There were no adverse weather conditions.
- One of the aircraft’s black boxes has been recovered and is being analyzed.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe with assistance from international experts including the U.S. NTSB, U.K.’s AAIB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
đź’µ Compensation & Support
The Tata Group has announced â‚ą1 crore compensation per deceased passenger. In addition, international laws (under the Montreal Convention) could see families receive further compensation of â‚ą1.8 crore (~$210,000) per victim.
They’ve also promised to rebuild the damaged medical hostel and cover medical and psychological care for affected families.
🌍 Reaction from Leaders & Organizations
The tragedy has touched millions across borders.
- PM Narendra Modi called it “a national tragedy beyond words.”
- UK PM Keir Starmer and King Charles extended condolences.
- Global aviation bodies are watching closely as this marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing’s shares dropped over 4% post-crash as the company faces renewed scrutiny.
🔍 What Comes Next?
Investigators are racing against time to decode the black box data. The world wants answers: Was this a technical fault? A maintenance lapse? Or a rare mechanical failure?
What’s clear is that aviation safety protocols will be revisited—especially for long-haul aircraft operating out of India.
đź’” Conclusion
Ahmedabad’s skies turned dark on June 12, but what followed was a wave of solidarity, resilience, and national mourning. While investigations continue, the priority remains with the families—giving them closure, support, and answers.
May the souls lost rest in peace. And may this tragedy lead to changes that prevent such horrors from ever repeating.
Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, and their families.