Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM IST (08:08 UTC), bound for London Gatwick. Carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew—the aircraft plummeted into a densely populated area, which included a medical college hostel. In the aftermath, 241 lives were lost on board, and at least 28 individuals on the ground were killed, including five students. Only one passenger, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived.
Wreckage was found embedded in the B.J. Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar, where around 50 students were injured, with some remaining in critical condition. Authorities are performing DNA testing, as many victims sustained severe burns.
Immediate Emergency Response and Investigation
- Black box recovered: One flight data recorder has been secured, and a full investigation is underway with assistance from India’s AAIB, U.S. NTSB, FAA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
- Technical clues: The aircraft had climbed to approximately 625 ft before descending to about 230 ft and crashing; a mayday call was issued, but there was no further response from the cockpit.
- Global safety impact: This is the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787 since its introduction in 2011, and it marks India’s deadliest air disaster in nearly three decades.
PM Modi Leads Crisis Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly visited the crash site and hospitals in Ahmedabad on June 13, accompanied by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
- He expressed his grief, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words,” and assured that rescue, debris recovery, and identification efforts are fully underway.
- Modi personally met with the sole survivor, Mr. Ramesh, and reviewed the extent of hospital care for the injured.
- An emergency task force, led by federal and state officials, was convened to coordinate the ongoing rescue and investigative measures.
In an official statement, he conveyed:
“We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words,” adding, “We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come.”
Broader Implications & Industry Fallout
- Tata Group, which took over management of Air India in 2022, has pledged ₹ one crore (~US$117,000) in compensation for each deceased passenger and will cover medical expenses for survivors.
- Boeing stock fell approximately 5% to 9% following the crash, which raised renewed scrutiny over the Dreamliner’s safety.
- With one black box recovered, the groundwork for determining technical or mechanical causes is in progress; however, authorities caution that fully understanding the root causes may necessitate a lengthy investigation.
What Comes Next
- Ongoing rescue and identification: Search efforts continue, with DNA testing in progress to identify charred remains.
- Technical investigation: The AAIB, NTSB, and manufacturer teams will work together to analyze flight recordings, mechanical systems, and operational data.
- Policy and fleet implications: Discussions have started concerning the possible temporary grounding or stricter inspection of India’s Boeing 787 fleet.
- Support for victims: Air India and Tata provide compensation and medical care packages, with government assistance for affected families.
Final Words
This disaster has profoundly impacted the nation emotionally and structurally, triggering widespread mourning and a critical review of aviation safety. PM Modi’s hands-on leadership and early reassurances have been central to coordinating the response. As India awaits the final report from the ongoing investigation, the tragedy underscores the vital importance of aviation safety and emergency preparedness in preventing future catastrophes.