The Daily Star Ireland
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, collided with the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Initial reports confirm at least 204 fatalities among those on board, with additional casualties on the ground, including medical students residing in the hostel.
Remarkably, one passenger, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash. Seated in 11A, Ramesh managed to escape the wreckage and is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. Emergency services, including over 130 Indian army personnel, responded swiftly to the disaster, aiding in rescue operations and providing medical assistance to the injured.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Preliminary flight data indicates that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 625 feet before descending rapidly. The flight crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash. Weather conditions at the time were reported as stable, and the aircraft’s landing gear had not been retracted. Authorities from India, the United Kingdom, and the United States have initiated a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has announced a compensation package of 10 million rupees (approximately €101,000) for the families of each deceased passenger. The company has also pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured and assist in the reconstruction of the damaged medical college facilities. Air India has established a dedicated helpline and dispatched a team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to support affected families.
International Condolences and Ongoing Support
Global leaders have expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled it “devastating.” The UK Foreign Office has deployed crisis teams in both India and the UK to assist those affected. This crash marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
As investigations continue, authorities are focused on providing support to victims’ families and ensuring a thorough examination of the factors leading to this unprecedented aviation disaster.
