In one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent history, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft plunged into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar neighborhood, resulting in at least 265 confirmed fatalities. This figure includes 241 of the 242 individuals on board and at least 24 people on the ground.
The sole survivor, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was seated in 11A near an emergency exit. He managed to escape with minor injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
The crash site, a densely populated area housing medical students and staff, has become a focal point of grief and mourning. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover bodies, with DNA testing employed to identify victims due to the severity of the wreckage.
Among the deceased are former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and five MBBS students. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences from global leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Charles. Air India's parent company, Tata Group, has pledged financial support to affected families and is contributing to rebuilding efforts.
Investigations are underway, with one of the aircraft's black boxes recovered to aid in determining the cause of the crash. International aviation authorities, including experts from the UK and US, are assisting in the probe.
This incident marks the deadliest commercial aviation disaster since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 and is the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the profound impact of this tragedy.