Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad: Deadliest Dreamliner Disaster
Overview of the Tragic Ahmedabad Plane Crash
On June 12, 2025, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed just moments after takeoff. The aircraft plummeted into the B.J. Medical College hostel, causing a fireball and widespread devastation. The crash is being called the deadliest aviation accident in India in over a decade and marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Timeline of Events
- 13:38 IST: Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
- Within 30–40 seconds, the aircraft experienced what is believed to be a catastrophic failure, lost altitude rapidly, and crashed into a hostel building within the Civil Hospital campus.
- The plane caught fire on impact, with videos showing a massive explosion and thick black smoke engulfing the area.
We would like to emphasize that the accident is very recent and that investigations are still ongoing (6/15/2025).
Casualties and Survivor Details
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Passengers | 230 |
| Crew | 12 |
| Onboard Deaths | 241 |
| Ground Deaths | 38 |
| Injured (Ground) | 60+ |
| Total Deaths | 279 |
| Survivors | 1 (onboard) |
- The only survivor is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, who reportedly escaped through the emergency exit before the plane was engulfed in flames (BBC).
Aircraft and Technical Background
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Tail Number: VT-ANB
- Engine: GE GEnx
- First Delivered: 2014
- Last Maintenance: May 2025 (no known defects)
- The ADS-B flight data shows the aircraft climbed to about 625 ft before it began descending sharply. Witnesses heard the engines sputter before impact.
This is the first deadly crash involving a Boeing 787, a model used globally for long-haul operations and known for its safety record — until now (Reuters).
Investigation and Black Box Recovery
- Authorities Involved:
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA – India)
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB – India)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB – US)
- UK AAIB and Boeing/GE engineering teams
- Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were recovered. Initial theories suggest a mechanical or software fault during initial climb, possibly involving thrust imbalance or sensor failure.
- Investigations are also analyzing if pilot error, faulty flight control systems, or external interference played a role.
💬 Official and Global Responses
🇮🇳 Indian Government:
- PM Narendra Modi: “A heartbreaking tragedy. Gujarat is mourning. All possible help will be provided.”
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel: Visited the site and supervised rescue efforts.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom:
- PM Keir Starmer: “A devastating tragedy. We mourn the lives lost, including our citizens.”
- Royal Condolences: King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their deep sorrow.
💰 Compensation and Support:
- Air India and Tata Group announced ₹1 crore (~$120,000 USD) compensation to each victim’s family.
- Survivors and families to receive psychological and logistical support.
(Source: Diken, BBC, Reuters)
Emergency Response and Medical Situation
- Over 50 ambulances, fire brigades, and disaster response teams were deployed.
- Victims were transported to Civil Hospital Ahmedabad and Sola Civil Hospital.
- Local volunteers and doctors described scenes as “worse than war.”
Recommended Article: https://www.aviationfile.com/hudson-river-helicopter-crash-kills-six-faa-grounds-operator-amid-safety-concerns/
Conclusion
The June 2025 Air India crash is a grim reminder of how even modern, technologically advanced aircraft are not immune to sudden tragedy. As global aviation authorities investigate the causes, the world watches closely for answers and accountability. The story of the sole survivor stands out as a miracle amid a devastating loss of 269 lives.
