Key Facts
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was bound for London Gatwick with 242 people on board. The crash killed all but one person on the plane and 19 individuals on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 260.
Reporter's Account
HT journalist Maulik Pathak was among the first at the scene. He described the chaos at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, where he encountered the lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national from Diu. Ramesh had been seated in seat 11A, an emergency exit row. He told Pathak that within 30 seconds of takeoff, there was a loud noise and the plane crashed, throwing him out. He suffered minor injuries and was found wandering among debris before being taken to the hospital.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area. It carried approximately 1,25,000 litres of fuel, causing a massive fireball. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was also on board and confirmed dead later.
Impact and Aftermath
The crash devastated families and the local community. The reporter witnessed a woman searching for her sister and met Sailesh Mandliya, Rupani's former PA, who was looking for the ex-CM. The survivor, Vishwash, asked the reporter to find his brother Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was also on the flight but did not survive. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the intense heat from burning fuel made rescue and identification difficult.
FAQ
How many people died in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad?
The crash killed 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, totaling 260 fatalities.
Who was the lone survivor of Air India Flight 171?
The sole survivor was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in seat 11A.
What caused the Air India crash?
The cause remains undetermined one year after the crash, with investigations ongoing.