Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff, 241 Feared Dead
Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost contact with air traffic control seconds after departure and went down in a densely populated area near Meghani Nagar, just outside Ahmedabad Airport.
Emergency responders arrived quickly as thick black smoke rose from the crash site. Videos and images show debris scattered across buildings, with parts of the fuselage visible.
Authorities confirmed 232 passengers and 12 crew were on board, including 53 British nationals. The only survivor is 40-year-old British-Indian Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who sustained injuries but remained conscious. He described waking up surrounded by bodies and running until rescued.
Indian officials, including the Civil Aviation Minister, pledged full support for rescue efforts. Air India’s chairman expressed deep sorrow and confirmed support teams are in place for affected families.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, though weather conditions were clear at the time. This incident adds to concerns over Boeing aircraft safety following past crashes in 2018 and 2019.
