A devastating tragedy struck the Indian city of Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Dreamliner crash claimed the lives of over 240 people. The London-bound Flight AI171 went down just moments after takeoff, slamming into a medical college hostel. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent history.
A Catastrophic Start to the Journey
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. with 242 passengers and crew. Within 30 seconds of becoming airborne, the aircraft made a Mayday call, and then vanished from radar at just 625 feet of altitude. The crash site was less than a mile from the runway.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft descend unnaturally before a fiery explosion lit up the sky. Black smoke and flames poured from the BJ Medical College hostel where the plane crashed, killing not just those onboard but also students and residents inside the building.
The Sole Survivor: A Miracle in Seat 11A
Amazingly, one person lived through the Air India Dreamliner crash. British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A near the emergency exit, was thrown from the wreckage and later found alive amidst the debris. “I heard a loud noise, and then everything went dark,” Ramesh said from his hospital bed. Sadly, his brother, who was on the same flight, remains unaccounted for.
Doctors say Ramesh is out of danger and may be discharged soon, calling his survival nothing short of a miracle.
National and International Mourning
Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. With Indian nationals, Britons, Portuguese, and a Canadian aboard, the Air India Dreamliner crash has left families grieving across multiple nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words,” while British officials confirmed they are working closely with Indian authorities. King Charles III and U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed their condolences.
Investigations Underway
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a detailed inquiry. Boeing and engine-maker GE Aerospace have committed teams to assist. Notably, this is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
Early analysis points to technical anomalies, as footage showed the aircraft flying with landing gear down—unusual for that phase of flight. Authorities are now reviewing black box data and maintenance records.
Aviation Safety in Focus
The Air India Dreamliner crash puts a renewed spotlight on airline safety, especially as the aviation industry recovers from past crises. For Air India, which recently merged with Vistara under the Tata Group, this crash is a severe setback in its efforts to modernize and regain public trust.
The Air India Dreamliner crash has left multiple nations in mourning and raised serious concerns about global aviation safety. As investigations continue, the miraculous survival of one man stands as a rare beacon of hope in the midst of overwhelming tragedy.
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