London, UK / Ahmedabad, India – A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on Thursday, June 12, 2025, when an Air India passenger plane bound for London from Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed just moments after takeoff. The incident, which saw the Boeing 787-8 plummet into a residential area, specifically the B.J. Medical College hostel mess, has sent shockwaves globally, raising immediate concerns about aviation safety and claiming the lives of 241 individuals on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Amidst the devastating loss, a single British national has miraculously survived, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the profound tragedy.
The ill-fated Air India flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. local time. A mere five minutes later, a ‘Mayday’ alert was issued by the pilots, signalling a dire emergency. However, subsequent attempts at communication from air traffic control went unanswered as the aircraft catastrophically descended. London-Bound Air India Jet Crashes in Ahmedabad impact, approximately 5km from the airport, resulted in a massive explosion and a towering plume of smoke, visible from afar. The site of the crash, a college hostel mess, compounded the horror as over 100 students were gathered for lunch, leading to fears of numerous casualties on the ground.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after visiting the sole survivor, confirmed the grim reality: “Due to the huge amount of fuel at 1.25 lakh litre and high temperature from the explosion, no one could be rescued.” Air India officially confirmed 241 fatalities out of 242 people on board. London-Bound Air India Jet Crashes in Ahmedabad lone survivor was identified as Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national travelling to London with his brother. Reportedly seated near an emergency exit, he managed to jump out of the burning wreckage. While he is currently under psychiatric care for trauma and receiving counselling, his survival is nothing short of miraculous. His family in Britain has confirmed contact, while his cousin, Ajay Valgi, expressed relief at his survival but deep concern for his brother.
Among the prominent figures lost in the tragedy was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were among the many leaders who took to social media to express their profound grief and pay tribute to Rupani, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state. The human cost of the disaster was further highlighted by the story of Lawrence Christian, a 30-year-old London resident who was returning home after attending his father’s funeral in Ahmedabad. His untimely death has left his family in both Ahmedabad and London in mourning.
Investigation Underway and Industry Repercussions
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation into the crash, in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu affirmed the commitment to a thorough inquiry. A team from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with support from Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aerospace, is also en route to India to assist with the investigation.
London-Bound Air India Jet Crashes in Ahmedabad crash has cast a shadow over Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787 Dreamliner. Shares of the American plane manufacturer finished down nearly 5% on Thursday, reflecting investor concerns about safety and the potential impact on the company’s reputation. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has pledged full support to the investigative process and cancelled his plans to attend the Paris Airshow. GE Aerospace, whose engines powered the ill-fated aircraft, also cancelled a planned investor day and is sending a team to India to analyse data. U.S. officials, while stressing the prematurity of conclusions, have indicated they have not seen immediate safety data that would necessitate halting Boeing 787 flights, but emphasized their readiness to implement any safety recommendations.
Global Condolences and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The scale of the tragedy has elicited widespread condolences from world leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were among those who expressed their sorrow. The British High Commission in India swiftly announced it was working with local authorities to establish facts and provide support, while the Canadian High Commission and other embassies also conveyed their deepest sympathies. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other Indian ministers expressed their shock and grief.
On the ground, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed seven teams to manage the emergency situation. As of Thursday evening, NDRF Inspector Vinay Kumar reported the recovery of 81 bodies, with rescue operations still ongoing. The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has treated 60 injured individuals, discharging 22 of them. The sheer volume of fuel on board the aircraft and the resulting intense heat have made rescue efforts incredibly challenging, as stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The London-Bound Air India Jet Crashes in Ahmedabad represents a devastating moment in aviation history, leaving a profound impact on the victims’ families, the aviation industry, and the international community. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on understanding the cause of this horrific accident to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of air travel.
