Gujarat Plane Crash: Tragedy Strikes Ahmedabad in Air India Flight AI‑171 Disaster
On 12 June 2025, Gujarat—a state already grappling with aviation safety concerns—was shaken by a catastrophic crash involving Air India Flight AI‑171, operating on a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. Just 30 seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft plummeted into a residential area, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew, while injuring dozens on the ground. A single survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously emerged from the wreckage—barely alive.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, was seated in seat 11A, just across the aisle from his brother, who tragically did not survive. Ramesh managed to escape through an emergency exit and walked through the wreckage to safety. He described the experience as surreal, stating, “When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive.” His miraculous survival has been a beacon of hope amidst the overwhelming sorrow.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The crash has deeply affected the local community, especially in Anand district, a prominent hub for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), where 33 victims hailed from. The tragedy has left families devastated, with many losing loved ones who were on their way to London for various reasons, including business and family visits.
Indian authorities, along with international investigative teams from the UK and the US, have launched a comprehensive probe into the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest a possible double engine failure due to a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had issued a mayday call before losing signal. One of the black boxes has been recovered, and efforts are underway to retrieve the cockpit voice recorder to gain further insights.
Indian authorities, along with international investigative teams from the UK and the US, have launched a comprehensive probe into the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest a possible double engine failure due to a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had issued a mayday call before losing signal. One of the black boxes has been recovered, and efforts are underway to retrieve the cockpit voice recorder to gain further insights.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with the lone survivor, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.” The Tata Group, which operates Air India, has pledged financial support and assistance to the affected families and the damaged medical facility. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during times of crisis.
As investigations continue and the community begins the long process of healing, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. May their souls rest in peace, and may the survivors find strength in the face of such profound loss.
The Ahmedabad tragedy of AI‑171 is one of modern aviation’s darkest chapters—a visceral reminder of how swiftly disaster can strike. Yet, the survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh offers a glimmer of hope in overwhelming despair. As authorities probe deeper and reforms begin, the world watches, seeking lessons to prevent another catastrophe.