On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India. The flight was bound for London Gatwick Airport. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals, with only one survivor, a British citizen named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated at 11A.

The Crash and Immediate Aftermath

The aircraft took off at 1:38 PM local time but crashed within 30 seconds into a residential neighborhood near Ahmedabad. Videos and images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising and the plane’s tail embedded in a building wall. Rescue teams recovered between 30 and 35 bodies from the site, and over 100 bodies were transported to hospitals in Ahmedabad. The crash also caused casualties on the ground due to the plane hitting residential buildings and offices.

Victims and Nationalities

Among the 242 people on board were 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. The crash is considered one of the deadliest in recent Indian aviation history.

The Sole Survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian descent, is the only survivor of the crash. He was seated in 11A and was reportedly traveling back to the UK after visiting relatives. In a hospital interview, he recounted the crash happening very quickly, with a loud noise shortly after takeoff. His condition was described as stable, with some injuries but not critical. Ramesh’s brother, who was on the same flight but seated elsewhere, is among the presumed deceased.

Response and Investigation

Air India has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and is providing support to those affected. The airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, stated that a special team was dispatched to Ahmedabad to assist with caregiving and investigations. Authorities have indicated that the investigation into the cause of the crash will take time, with possible factors including flap issues, engine failure, or bird strikes being considered by experts.

Impact and Reactions

The crash has prompted widespread grief and condolences from around the world. Officials in India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal have acknowledged the tragedy and offered support to the victims’ families. The incident has also raised questions about aviation safety and emergency.