On June 12, 2025, a catastrophic event unfolded in Ahmedabad, India, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Bound for London Gatwick, the flight carried 242 individuals, and its sudden descent into a residential neighborhood left a profound mark on the city and the global aviation community. This article explores the incident, its devastating toll, and the response to one of India’s worst aviation disasters.

The Crash

At approximately 1:38 p.m. IST, Flight AI171 (registration VT-ANB), with 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots and ten cabin staff, lifted off. Seconds later, the aircraft issued a distress signal, vanishing from radar at an altitude of only 625 feet. The plane crashed into Meghani Nagar, a populated area near a medical college, igniting a massive explosion and fireball that engulfed the site.

Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as the aircraft plummeted, with footage later showing an unusual flight profile, possibly indicating issues with control or lift. The wreckage, scattered across the residential zone, posed immense challenges for emergency responders battling the inferno.

Human Toll

The disaster claimed 241 lives on board, leaving only one survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen seated in 11A, who sustained minor injuries and no memory of his escape. His brother, Ajay, seated nearby, perished. On the ground, the crash killed an estimated 24–35 individuals, including medical students, with a preliminary death toll ranging from 265 to 294, pending identification due to the condition of remains.

The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian, comprising 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants. Notable victims included former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and crew member Roshni Rajendra Songhare, a 27-year-old flight attendant from Dombivili.

Emergency Response

First responders, including fire services, police, and medical teams, mobilized rapidly, deploying fire tenders to douse the flames. The recovery of remains, many severely damaged, proved harrowing, with bodies sent to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for DNA analysis. The Gujarat government provided helplines (079-232-51900 and 9978405304) to support affected families.

The airport halted operations briefly but has since partially reopened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “devastating” and plans to visit Ahmedabad on June 13. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acknowledging the 53 British victims, sent investigators and offered condolences.

Ongoing Investigation

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is spearheading the inquiry, with assistance from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and U.S. authorities. One black box has been retrieved, offering potential clues. The probe is examining maintenance logs, crew decisions, aircraft setup, and environmental factors, including high temperatures around 100°F. Early analysis of video evidence suggests the plane’s configuration may have contributed to its inability to climb.

As the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, delivered to Air India in 2014, the crash has drawn scrutiny. The aircraft had no reported issues in prior inspections, making the investigation pivotal for understanding this unprecedented failure.

Support and Reactions

The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, pledged ₹1 crore (~$120,000) per victim’s family, with additional compensation of ~₹1.5 crore (~$180,000) under international agreements. Air India vowed to assist affected families fully. Public sentiment, expressed on platforms like X, reflects grief and speculation about causes, though claims of pilot error or mechanical faults remain unconfirmed.

Broader Implications

The crash, India’s deadliest since 1996 and among the world’s worst in recent years, has jolted the aviation industry. Boeing faces renewed safety concerns, with its stock falling nearly 8% in premarket trading. For Air India, the tragedy challenges its ongoing rebranding efforts under Tata’s stewardship since 2022.