Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI‑171 Crash Leaves Over 270 Dead

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a shocking and heart-wrenching incident, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft slammed into the rooftop of B.J. Medical College Hostel, triggering a massive explosion and fire.

Key Incident Details:

• Flight: AI‑171 (Ahmedabad to London Gatwick)

• Takeoff Time: 1:38 PM IST, June 12

• Onboard: 230 passengers, 12 crew members

• Survivors: Only 1 passenger survived

• Crash Site: B.J. Medical College hostel building, Ahmedabad

Casualty Update:

• Total Fatalities: Over 270, including 241 onboard and 30+ on ground

• Survivor: British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (Seat 11A) miraculously escaped by jumping through a crack in the fuselage

• DNA Identification: 247 victims identified; 232 bodies handed over to families so far

Stories of Pain & Courage:

• Vishwash Kumar, the lone survivor, described the horrifying seconds: "I saw flames. I broke through the debris and ran until I collapsed..."

• Auto-rickshaw driver Omprakash Prajapati, present nearby, rushed to rescue victims and pulled four students from the burning hostel

• Bhavansingh Shekhawat, a volunteer, prevented a secondary explosion by removing gas cylinders from the crash site

Identification Efforts:

• DNA tests confirm the identity of Nganthoi Sharma, a young crew member from Manipur

• Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Jirawala was among the victims, confirmed via forensic match

• Multiple foreign nationals are also believed to be among the deceased

🔍 Investigation & Safety Response:

• Black Box recovered, sent to the U.S. for analysis

• Preliminary causes being examined: possible hydraulic failure, engine flame-out, and RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployment

• Air India response:

  • Grounded all Boeing 787s temporarily

  • Cancelled or rerouted 38 international flights

• DGCA & global experts from Boeing, GE, FAA, and UK authorities are involved in the investigation

🇮🇳 National Reaction:

• PM Narendra Modi, aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and leaders across parties expressed deep sorrow

• Vigils held across India and the UK in memory of the victims

• Several Bollywood celebrities including Vicky Kaushal and Janhvi Kapoor mourned the loss

VIDEO:

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Final Note:

The AI-171 crash is now one of the deadliest air tragedies in India's history. It has raised serious questions about maintenance, weather protocols, and aircraft safety. As the nation grieves, the priority remains on giving justice to the victims and ensuring such a tragedy never repeats.

Stay tuned to Viksit Bharat News for updates, ground reports, and exclusive footage.#AhmedabadCrash #AirIndia171 #ViksitBharatNews