Ahmedabad, India – June 13, 2025 – A pall of grief hangs heavy over Ahmedabad today, Friday, June 13, 2025, as the city grapples with the devastating aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, plummeted to the ground yesterday, Thursday, June 12, 2025, just moments after takeoff. The catastrophic incident has claimed the lives of 241 people on board, with only one survivor, and tragically caused additional fatalities and injuries on the ground.
Emergency services have been working tirelessly at the crash site in the Meghani area, where the aircraft impacted the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College complex. A massive fire, intensified by the plane’s heavy fuel load for its long-haul journey, erupted immediately after impact, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky.
This tragedy marks a somber milestone as the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction. 1 An international investigation is now in full swing, seeking answers to what went so terribly wrong.
Crucial Black Box Recovered as Probe Begins
The immediate focus of investigators is on the aircraft’s “black boxes.” The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) have both been successfully recovered from the crash site. These vital devices are expected to provide thousands of parameters, offering crucial insights into the flight’s final moments and helping to piece together the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has formally launched its probe, with a comprehensive final report anticipated by June 2026.
Sole Survivor’s Harrowing Tale
Amidst the widespread devastation, a single, miraculous story of survival has emerged. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a 45-year-old British national of Indian origin, was found alive in seat 11A. From his hospital bed, he recounted the terrifying seconds: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.” He described being thrown from the plane and, against all odds, managed to walk to a nearby ambulance, disoriented but out of immediate danger. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mr. Ramesh in the hospital, offering his support.
Expert Observations Point to Configuration Issues
Preliminary observations from aviation experts are beginning to shed light on potential contributing factors. Captain Ehsan Khalid, a veteran Indian Air Force pilot, noted that the aircraft’s landing gear remained extended throughout its brief flight. This is highly unusual and significantly increases aerodynamic drag, hindering the plane’s ability to gain altitude. There are also conflicting reports regarding the position of the wing flaps – some experts suggest they were retracted too early, which can lead to a critical loss of lift, while others observed they didn’t appear extended at all. Pilots reportedly declared “lacking engine power” before all communication ceased.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, theories include a dual engine failure, possibly triggered by a bird strike or fuel contamination. The aircraft’s heavy weight, due to carrying maximum fuel for the long journey to London, combined with the high ambient temperature (37°C) at takeoff, would have placed it at the upper limits of its performance envelope. Weather conditions, however, with light winds and good visibility, do not appear to have been a factor.
Tragedy Extends to the Ground
The impact of the crash was not confined to the aircraft. The Dreamliner plunged directly into the residential quarters and hostel of doctors at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghani area. The ensuing massive fireball claimed the lives of at least five medical students on the ground and left approximately 50 individuals in the building injured, some critically. Ahmedabad’s police chief, G.S. Malik, indicated that more local casualties were likely. Among the onboard fatalities was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Coordinated Response and Support
In the immediate aftermath, a swift and coordinated emergency response was launched. Six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with numerous fire engines, ambulances, and police units, rushed to the scene. Indian army teams were also deployed to assist civil authorities in clearing debris and providing aid to the injured. Operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended following the tragedy.
Air India, now under the ownership of Tata Sons, has expressed profound sorrow, with Chairman N Chandrasekaran describing it as “one of the darkest days in the conglomerate’s history.” The Tata Group has announced a compensation package of 10 million rupees (approximately $116,795) to the family of each person who died, in addition to covering medical expenses for the injured. Air India has also deployed “special team of caregivers” and support teams to assist grieving families. 1 International condolences have poured in from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, acknowledging the significant British casualties among the 168 Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian nationals on board.
Air India’s Journey and Boeing 787’s Record
This incident comes at a pivotal time for Air India, which was re-acquired by the Indian conglomerate Tata Sons in 2022 after decades under state control. The airline has been undergoing a significant modernization and turnaround effort, including ordering hundreds of new aircraft.
Despite being the first fatal crash for the model, the incident has led to heightened scrutiny of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proactively ordered an enhanced safety inspection across Air India’s entire Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. The Union government is even reportedly considering grounding the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 fleet.
The aviation world now awaits the full findings of the investigation, hoping to glean crucial lessons that will further enhance air travel safety and prevent such a devastating loss from ever happening again.
For continued coverage and the latest updates on this national tragedy, stay tuned to NewsAffair360.
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