Ahmedabad, India – June 13, 2025 — Tragedy struck Indian aviation on June 12 when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, en route to London Gatwick. The crash has claimed 241 lives, including 52 British nationals. The ill-fated flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
The aircraft, a 12-year-old Boeing 787, departed at 13:38 IST but went down minutes later in the Meghani region, just outside the city limits. The crash resulted in a massive explosion, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and drawing immediate emergency response. Despite rapid deployment of fire engines and ambulances, the inferno hindered rescue operations.
One Survivor Amid the Ruins
Amid the wreckage, there was a single miraculous survivor—British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who had been seated in 11A. Currently hospitalized, his brother shared, “He has no idea how he survived. It’s nothing short of a miracle.”
Passengers from Four Countries Onboard
Air India confirmed that the flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Among the deceased were Dr. Prateek Joshi and Dr. Komi Vyas, both medical professionals relocating to the UK with their three children—Miraya, Pradyut, and Nakul. Dr. Vyas had just resigned from Pacific Medical College in Udaipur to start a new chapter in London. Their dream turned into devastation within moments.
Grief Across Borders
The impact of the crash has sent shockwaves across both India and the UK. Families have begun submitting DNA samples to aid in the identification of victims, while grief-stricken relatives mourn in the streets of Ahmedabad and beyond. The scene has been described as “utterly heartbreaking,” with entire families lost in the catastrophe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, spending nearly 20 minutes assessing the devastation. While he did not address the media, sources indicate he met with emergency teams and was briefed on ongoing investigations.
Investigation Underway
Authorities in India have launched a full-scale probe into the crash. Investigators are currently combing through the wreckage to determine what caused the sudden and catastrophic failure. While early speculation ranges from mechanical malfunction to pilot error, officials have urged the public and media to avoid unfounded conclusions until a thorough examination is complete.
Support for Families and Friends
Air India has activated its crisis response system. Friends and Relatives Assistance Centres (FRACs) have been set up at key airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick to assist families. These centers are helping with travel arrangements for next of kin and providing grief counseling.
Passengers’ families can contact Air India’s emergency hotlines:
- India: 1800 5691 444
- International: +91 8062779200
The airline has requested media personnel to refrain from calling these lines to ensure uninterrupted support for grieving families.
