Air India Crash Kills 241 : What Actually Happened
An Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, killing hundreds. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, was bound for London Gatwick.
It crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving one survivor. Here’s what we know about the tragedy.
Sole Survivor’s Miraculous Escape
Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a 38-year-old British national of Indian origin, survived the crash. Seated in 11A near an emergency exit, he jumped out as the plane went down.
Police officer Vidhi Chaudhary confirmed his escape. Ramesh, injured but stable, spoke to his family from the hospital. He told Hindustan Times, “It all happened so quickly.” His survival is considered a miracle.
Background of the Incident
Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. The plane, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, crashed five minutes later. It hit a residential area, Meghani Nagar, and a medical college hostel.
The crash is India’s deadliest aviation disaster since 1996. It involved a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model with a strong safety record. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety in India.
What Caused the Crash?
Experts are investigating possible causes. Aviation expert Mohan Ranganathan suggested a double engine failure, though rare. Bird strikes are a concern at Ahmedabad airport, with 462 incidents reported over five years. Faulty wing flaps or pilot error are also possibilities.
Boeing and GE Aerospace are assisting the investigation. One black box has been recovered, but Air India denies this claim. The exact cause remains unclear.
Casualties: Onboard and On the Ground
Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people onboard died. The victims included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
The plane crashed into a medical college hostel, killing at least five students and injuring nearly 50. A senior doctor reported 290 total deaths, including locals. Police recovered 269 bodies, with DNA testing ongoing to identify remains. The death toll may rise.
Tata Group’s Compensation Announcement
Tata Group, Air India’s owner, pledged ₹1 crore ($116,868) to families of each victim. The announcement came via a post on X. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed “deep sorrow” but avoided media questions.
The airline set up assistance centers at Gatwick, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad airports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site and met the survivor, calling the scenes “saddening.”
Boeing’s Response and Industry Impact
Boeing issued a statement expressing support for Air India. The company is in contact with the airline and ready to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
This is the first crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing’s shares dropped over 4% after the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are prepared to aid the investigation. The crash adds to Boeing’s recent safety controversies.
Official and Expert Statements
Ahmedabad Police Chief G.S. Malik reported casualties on the ground due to the residential crash site. Aviation analyst Alex Macheras called it one of India’s worst aviation disasters.
He noted the Boeing 787’s strong safety record but questioned why the plane struggled to gain altitude. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah met the survivor. Experts like Shawn Pruchnicki warned that debris removal could take a month. Investigations continue with U.S. and U.K. support.
The Air India crash has left a profound impact. With 290 confirmed deaths and one survivor, the tragedy has sparked grief and scrutiny. Investigations into the cause are ongoing, and the aviation industry faces renewed safety concerns. Families await answers as rescue efforts continue.
