Air India jet crash kills 241 people, with 1 passenger surviving

 

Agencies, June 12, 2025  :  On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a scheduled flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of at least 241 people, including passengers and crew members. 

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 IST, crashed near Meghani Nagar, a residential area, just minutes after takeoff. Authorities confirmed that 242 people were onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

The crash occurred after the aircraft issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), which was followed by the loss of communication. Despite immediate rescue efforts, including the mobilization of fire and medical teams, officials confirmed that the incident has led to significant loss of life. Initial reports indicated that 75 people were confirmed dead on the plane, with 45 more injured. Tragically, the number of casualties continued to rise as the rescue operation continued. Among those onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals, many of whom were families, including children and elderly passengers.

Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the crash site, with local residents rushing to assist rescue teams. A significant portion of the crash site was a medical facility, and a doctors' hostel was struck. The crash has devastated the families of those aboard and caused widespread grief, particularly within local communities with a high concentration of British-Gujaratis.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Aviation experts speculated that the position of the wing flaps on takeoff could have contributed to the aircraft's failure to complete the takeoff, pointing to potential human error. Authorities, however, have cautioned that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions from available footage.

Air India has expressed its sorrow, with CEO Campbell Wilson describing the incident as "a difficult day" for the airline. The airline has announced a compensation plan, offering ₹1 crore (approximately £86,000) to the families of each person lost in the crash. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has also pledged support to those affected.

As the investigation continues, the Indian government and Air India have coordinated with local authorities to provide relief and support to the victims' families. In a show of solidarity, international leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed their deep sorrow over the incident and promised full cooperation in the ongoing efforts.

The tragedy has also prompted a major response from Boeing, with the company offering to support Air India in the investigation and extending its condolences. The aircraft involved, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has been in service since 2009 and is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is sole survivor of crash and told his brother he does not know how he escaped from the plane

Rescue teams remain at the site, working tirelessly to recover bodies and provide medical aid to the injured. As of now, one survivor has been identified—Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national who was seated in business class. He recounted hearing a loud noise shortly after takeoff before the plane crashed, but was fortunate enough to survive the devastating incident.

The global aviation community, as well as officials in India and the UK, are working together to uncover the causes behind the crash and provide support to those affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy.

For further information, Air India has set up a helpline at 1800 5691 444 to assist families and concerned individuals. each.