The Air India flight 171 crash occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
242 people were on board, comprising 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
The plane crashed into a hostel of the government-run medical college in Meghaninagar, killing 241 people and injuring many on the ground.
A 28-year-old British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the crash. He reported hearing a loud noise about 30 seconds after takeoff.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full-scale investigation, with support from American and British teams. The black box was recovered from the rooftop of the building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, met with injured victims, and held a review meeting with top officials. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also rushed to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue operations
Experts speculate that the plane may not have achieved optimum takeoff speed due to a possible bird hit or dual engine failure. The landing gear remained extended during takeoff, increasing drag and reducing climb performance. A “Mayday” call was issued shortly after takeoff, indicating the aircraft was in distress
