INDIA – June 13, 2025 – A day after Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing at least 265 people, investigators on Friday began the painstaking process of piecing together what led to the devastating incident. The crash, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, sent shockwaves across India and the international community, as a London-bound flight plummeted into a densely populated residential area of Ahmedabad, impacting the premises of BJ Medical College.
Thursday's Catastrophe: A Fiery Descent
Yesterday, June 12, 2025, the 12-year-old Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members (though some reports indicated 242 on board), departed at approximately 1:39 PM local time. Almost immediately after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene: the plane, struggling to gain height, issued a 'Mayday' distress call to Air Traffic Control before disappearing behind buildings and erupting into a massive fireball upon impact. The crash site, engulfed in thick black smoke and debris, presented a horrific picture for first responders.
Mounting Casualties and a Miraculous Survival
Initial reports yesterday confirmed a high fatality count onboard, which has tragically risen. As of today, June 13, authorities confirm 241 fatalities from the aircraft itself. In addition to the lives lost on the plane, the crash claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals on the ground, including several medical students who were having lunch in their hostel mess hall when the aircraft struck the building. Many bodies, both from the plane and on the ground, were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA identification procedures.
Amidst the unimaginable devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged: British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, 40, was miraculously found alive, the sole survivor from the flight. Seated in seat 11A, he reportedly escaped through an opening in the fuselage created by the impact. Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh recounted the terrifying moments: "The lights started flickering green and white...suddenly slammed into a building and exploded." He told media he "walked out of the rubble" after seeing people dying around him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ramesh in the hospital today, expressing his condolences.
Among the prominent figures lost in the tragedy was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was a passenger on the ill-fated flight. Heartbreaking stories have also emerged of entire families, including a family of five from Rajasthan, whose dreams of a new life in London were tragically cut short.
Day Two: Investigation Intensifies, Official Responses
Today, the focus has shifted to the rigorous investigation into the crash. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe, adhering to international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Investigators have recovered the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the debris, a critical piece of evidence in determining the cause. A high-level multidisciplinary committee has been constituted to examine the incident and strengthen aviation safety measures.
The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety record of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking its first fatal crash globally. Aviation experts suggest a possible dual engine failure or a bird strike could be among the reasons for the sudden loss of altitude, though official conclusions will await the full investigation report, which could take up to a year. There are also reports that India may consider temporarily grounding its Boeing 787-8 fleet.
Official responses have poured in from across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, stating, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words." He has been in constant touch with ministers and authorities overseeing rescue and relief operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held a review meeting at the crash site.
Air India, under the Tata Group, has issued statements of deep sorrow and confirmed a compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) for the families of each deceased. They have also established "Friends and Relatives Assistance Centres" at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and London Gatwick airports and are covering medical expenses for the injured. The Ahmedabad airport remains closed, with Indian Railways deploying special trains to assist stranded passengers.
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