On June 12, 2025, Ahmedabad, India, faced one of its darkest days when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The disaster claimed over 260 lives, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. Amid this tragedy, one man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived. This article explores the Air India Flight AI171 crash, the survivor’s story, and the ongoing response, drawing from credible sources to provide a clear picture of this heartbreaking event.
The Tragic Crash of Flight AI171
At 1:38 p.m. local time, Flight AI171, carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members—plummeted into the Meghani Nagar area, crashing into the hostel of B.J. Medical College. The impact caused a massive fire, destroying much of the aircraft and surrounding structures. Dense smoke hindered initial rescue efforts, but emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), worked tirelessly to save lives and recover victims.
The crash site, a densely populated residential area, amplified the devastation. The aircraft, which had climbed to just 825 feet, issued a mayday call before plunging, as reported by The Guardian. The disaster is India’s deadliest aviation incident in decades, prompting nationwide mourning.
A Miraculous Survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh
Against all odds, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, survived the crash. Seated in 11A, next to an emergency exit, Ramesh reportedly heard a loud noise seconds after takeoff and jumped from the aircraft just before it hit the ground. He sustained minor injuries and is receiving treatment at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, where he recounted his harrowing escape.
Senior police officer Vidhi Chaudhary confirmed Ramesh’s account, noting his quick thinking likely saved his life. Tragically, his brother Ajay, who was also on board, is presumed dead. Ramesh’s survival has captivated the nation, offering a glimmer of hope amid overwhelming loss. For more on his story, see ABC News.
Ground Casualties and Community Impact
Read More
The crash’s impact extended beyond the aircraft. At B.J. Medical College, the plane struck the hostel during lunchtime, killing at least five medical students, a doctor’s wife, and injuring over 50 others. The Indian Express reported four MBBS students among the deceased, underscoring the loss to India’s medical community. Heartbreaking scenes of scattered belongings and damaged rooms emerged, as detailed by The Indian Express.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
India’s response was immediate and robust. Key efforts included:
- Emergency Operations: NDRF teams, fire brigades, and police cleared debris and fought fires, while ambulances transported the injured via a green corridor.
- Government Support: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site and hospital, joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah oversaw operations, promising a high-level investigation.
- Air India’s Role: The airline established assistance centers at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to support families, deploying caregivers to aid grieving relatives.
- Medical and Identification Efforts: DNA testing centers were set up at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to identify victims, with families providing samples through the night.
Learn more about disaster response protocols at NDRF’s official site.
Investigating the Cause
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation, with one of the aircraft’s black boxes recovered, per The Independent. Safety expert John McDermid suggested a sudden, severe issue during takeoff, noting the plane’s low altitude of 200 meters. The Boeing 787’s backup systems make such crashes rare, raising questions about potential mechanical or external factors. A high-level committee will examine the incident to enhance aviation safety.
How to Help and Stay Informed
As Ahmedabad mourns, the public can support recovery efforts and stay updated:
- Donate to verified relief organizations aiding victims’ families.
- Follow reputable sources like Reuters for accurate updates.
- Avoid sharing unverified social media posts to curb misinformation.
