Image Credentials: Image Title: Tragedy Strikes as Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff in Ahmedabad (Update) Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: May 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), and it does not depict a real-world scene.
Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 – A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, when Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, registered VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The crash occurred in the Meghani Nagar area, just beyond the airport’s perimeter, and resulted in at least 241 fatalities. The sole survivor, a 40-year-old British-Indian passenger named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the crash.
The aircraft departed at 1:39 PM IST (8:09 AM GMT) from runway 23. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot issued a Mayday distress call signaling an emergency. However, subsequent attempts by air traffic control to re-establish communication with the aircraft went unanswered. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft’s final signal was lost shortly after takeoff.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 hours of flying experience, was in command of the flight, with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, assisting. The plane crashed near the B.J. Medical College, reportedly striking a building, leading to significant casualties both on board and on the ground.
#AirIndia AI171 crashed into BJ Medical College hostel mess, Ahmedabad, shortly after takeoff. Many MBBS students are feared dead or injured. FAIMA confirms multiple injuries, with admissions to Civil Hospital. Official casualty details awaited. 🇮🇳💔 #planecrash pic.twitter.com/tqtpsGfyic
— Harsh (@ind_vibrant) June 12, 2025
This incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model introduced in 2009, and has raised serious concerns about the safety of modern aircraft. In response to the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the incident, with support from international agencies, including a team from the United Kingdom.
In light of the tragedy, Air India, along with its parent company, Tata Sons, has announced compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately £86,000) for each deceased victim’s family and will cover the medical expenses of the injured. The airline has expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
Governments and leaders worldwide, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Pope Leo XIV, have extended their condolences, expressing shock and solidarity with the victims’ families.
As investigations continue, the aviation community is closely monitoring the situation, as this crash raises important questions about aircraft safety protocols, the effectiveness of emergency response measures, and the future of modern aviation.