Air India Boeing 787 crashes near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 241

Air India Plane Crash 2025: Full Details, Cause & Aftermath

In one of the most tragic aviation disasters in India’s recent history, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, operating Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, carried 242 people onboard.

Here is a detailed, fact-based report of the incident.

What Happened?

The flight took off at approximately 1:38 PM IST. Within seconds of departure, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a residential and hostel complex near the airport, located in the Meghani Nagar area. The impact resulted in a massive explosion, fire, and immediate structural collapse.

Key Details:

Flight: AI171 (Ahmedabad to London)
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Total Onboard: 242 (230 passengers + 12 crew)
Crash Site: Medical hostel building, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
Time of Crash: Within a minute after takeoff

Casualties and Survivor

Unfortunately, 241 people were confirmed dead in the crash. This includes most of the passengers and the entire flight crew. Several people present inside the hostel building were also killed.

Notably:

Only one survivor has been reported so far: Mr. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated near the emergency exit (11A). He escaped with injuries and shock but is now under treatment and stable.
The impact killed several students and staff from the medical hostel, many of whom were having lunch at the time of the crash.

Rescue and Emergency Response

Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters, police, disaster management teams, and airport authorities worked together to:

Extinguish fires
Rescue survivors
Recover bodies
Control the crowd and media

Air India opened a helpline and launched a dedicated team to support families of the victims. DNA testing is underway for identifying remains.

Investigation and Possible Causes

Indian aviation authorities, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), have launched a detailed investigation. International experts from Boeing, GE (engine manufacturer), and safety agencies are also participating.

Early Speculations:

Technical Error: Improper flap or gear settings during takeoff.
Bird Strike: A large bird may have hit the engine, causing failure.
System Malfunction: Possibility of instrument or engine shutdown.

Black Box Update:

One of the two black boxes (flight data recorders) has been recovered and is being analyzed.

Impact on Indian Aviation

This crash is the deadliest aviation accident in India in decades, and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner globally. It has raised new concerns about:

Aircraft safety protocols
Pilot training for emergencies
Takeoff procedures from Indian airports
Maintenance of long-haul flights

Government & Public Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Civil Aviation Minister, and multiple state authorities expressed condolences and pledged support to victims’ families. The government has ordered:

A high-level probe
Safety audits across airports
Review of Air India’s safety systems

Conclusion

The Air India crash on June 12, 2025, is not just a tragedy, but a wake-up call for the aviation industry. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and prays for the lone survivor’s recovery. The incident underscores the importance of continuous improvement in air safety, emergency readiness, and human empathy in times of crisis.