Tragedy struck just moments after takeoff as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed within 30 seconds of departure from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, plunged into the doctors’ hostel of B. J. Medical College, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
Out of 242 on board—230 passengers and 12 crew—241 were killed, making it the worst single-aircraft crash in Indian aviation history. At least 28 people on the ground, including medical students and doctors, also lost their lives, taking the death toll to over 269. Around 60 others were injured.
In a rare miracle, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British-Indian, survived the crash. He was seated in 11A and managed to walk out with minor injuries. His survival story has stunned the nation.
The victims included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was also among the deceased.
Initial reports suggest the plane experienced loss of thrust, leading to a stall. The black box has been recovered. Investigations are underway by India’s AAIB, with support from US and UK aviation authorities.
Leaders across the world, including PM Modi and King Charles III, have expressed deep condolences. Air India and Boeing have promised full cooperation.