Air India Dreamliner Crashes in Ahmedabad: 241 Dead

Air India Dreamliner Crashes in Ahmedabad: 241 Dead

By TheNationweek.com
June 13, 2025

AHMEDABAD, India — An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday morning, hitting a densely populated residential area and claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew.

A passenger miraculously survived the crash.

Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, plummeted in Meghani Nagar, sending shockwaves throughout the city and prompting emergency responses.

The crash, described by Air India as a “tragic accident,” devastated families and raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Initial reports showed the aircraft issued a mayday alert seconds after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time (8:08 GMT).

Based on the flight tracking data, the plane was at a mere 625 feet (190 meters) when it went down near the airport.

Amid the wreckage and ongoing recovery efforts, a glimmer of hope emerged with the discovery of one survivor.

Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent, was found in seat 11A, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, cited by India’s ANI news agency.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, reported that he was disoriented and suffering from multiple injuries but is no longer in critical condition.

Ramesh was reportedly traveling with his brother on vacation.

“This is a heartbreaking event,” stated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from the state of Gujarat, where Ahmedabad is located.

“I am in contact with officials to ensure all necessary assistance is provided at the crash site,” he added.

India’s Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Crash Site Engulfed in Flames

Social media footage painted a grim picture of the crash site, with thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

Reports had indicated the aircraft struck the dining area of the B.J. Medical College hostel, raising concerns about a significant number of casualties among medical students.

No immediate information on hostel casualties has been released as of press time.

A police officer on the scene stated that about 70 to 80 percent of the area had been cleared and recovery efforts continued.

“The crash site is very close to a civil hospital,” noted local journalist Sunil Vaidya, “suggesting that many students from the medical college could have been affected. The impact is devastating.”

International Community Mourns Victims’ Deaths

Flight AI171 carried 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals, according to Air India.

The Ahmedabad to London route is a popular one, particularly among the large Gujarati community in the United Kingdom.

The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern from the international community.

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras described the crash as one of the most severe in Indian aviation history in recent decades.

“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a strong safety record, with no prior fatal crashes,” Macheras stressed.

“A thorough investigation is crucial to determine the circumstances that led to the aircraft’s difficulties in gaining altitude after takeoff.”

Authorities Respond; Families Await News

Around 90 emergency responders are currently on-site, working to recover bodies and secure the area.

India’s Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu is personally overseeing the response efforts and has directed all relevant agencies to act swiftly and ensure medical assistance reaches the crash site.

Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated that updates would be provided as new information becomes available.

An emergency center has been established to support families seeking information.

However, local residents have reported a lack of communication on the status of loved ones, adding to the anguish and uncertainty.

Air India’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny

While Air India’s safety record is comparable to that of international airlines like Turkish Airlines and American Airlines, it does not match the safety levels of top-tier airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

The airline, which was acquired by the Tata Group in 2021, has experienced past crashes, with notable incidents occurring between 1966 and 1985.

The crash of Flight AI171 marks a tragic chapter in Indian aviation history and underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and thorough investigations in the aftermath of such devastating events.