On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with the tail number VT-ANB, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, heading for London Gatwick. Just half a minute into the flight, at an altitude of about 625 feet, the plane lost stability, veered off course, and tragically crashed into a student hostel at the B.J. Medical College complex in Meghaninagar. The impact created a massive fireball.

This blog writes about the incident and the events that followed thereafter.

Death Toll & Nationalities

There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one person survived: British-Indian national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A. Sadly, both the flight crew—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with around 1,100 hours—lost their lives. On the ground, at least 38 residents were killed, and over 60 were injured.

In total, the fatalities amount to approximately 279, which includes 241 from the flight and over 38 on the ground.

Passenger nationalities on board included: –

• 169 Indian
• 53 British
• 7 Portuguese
• 1 Canadian

What We Know So Far

The black boxes were recovered shortly after the crash by the AAIB. Rescue operations wrapped up in about four hours, with around 98 ambulances and more than 100 firefighters on the scene. A “green corridor” was established to transport victims to Civil Hospital. Initially, only 32 victims were identified through DNA, as the process was complicated by severe body damage.

The aircraft, delivered in 2013, had flown to Australia just days before this incident. This marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 in history.

Among the many lives lost in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a respected leader who served the state from 2016 to 2021. Rupani was reportedly traveling to London to visit his wife and daughter when the aircraft went down. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing, and his remains were handed over to his family. In honor of his legacy, the Gujarat government declared a one-day state mourning on June 16, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast and all official events suspended. A state funeral was held in his hometown of Rajkot, attended by top dignitaries including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Known for his quiet demeanor and humble approach to governance, Rupani’s sudden demise has left a profound void in Gujarat’s political landscape and sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation.

Pilot’s Experience & Final Moments

Captain Sabharwal was a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours and had also served as an instructor. First Officer Kunder, with about 1,100 hours, was relatively new to the role.

The crew issued a distress signal, a “Mayday,” as the aircraft struggled to maintain lift and stability. Reports indicate that Captain Sabharwal had plans to retire soon to spend time with his father, making this tragic flight his last.

Survivor’s Account (Seat 11A)

Survivor’s Account (Seat 11A) Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40 years old, had a miraculous escape and vividly remembers the chaos at seat 11A near an emergency exit.

He recounted hearing a “loud noise” followed by the cabin tilting sharply. His section broke away from the fuselage, and he managed to escape through a shattered exit, feeling disoriented and suffering from burns.

Eyewitnesses & Public Reaction

A 17-year-old named Aryan caught the crash on video while filming what he thought were just routine takeoffs.

Ravi Thakor, a cook from Hositan, lost family members in the tragedy and is holding onto hope for a “second miracle.”

Heartbreaking stories emerged about Hardik Avaiya and Vibhooti Patel, a newly-engaged couple from Leicester, as well as Pooja and Harshit Patel, both of whom tragically lost their lives.

Human Stories

“I realized I was alive,” Ramesh said, reflecting on his escape. “We had just gotten engaged… and just days later, they were gone,” remembered the Leicester couple, known for their kindness and community spirit.

Investigation & Next Steps

Investigative agencies from India’s AAIB, the UK’s AAIB, and the US NTSB are working together on the case. Preliminary inspections have led the DGCA to ground similar 787s for checks on engine systems, flaps, and fuel parameters. A timeline for the release of findings is expected, with the accident panel set to publish an interim report in about three months.

Final Thoughts & Prayers

The Ahmedabad crash stands as India’s deadliest aviation disaster in nearly three decades and marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787. With 279 lives lost—both onboard and on the ground—it has sent shockwaves through the industry, families, and the nation. In the midst of sorrow and mourning, it’s crucial that investigations uncover the answers needed to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. May the victims rest in peace, and may their stories serve as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the pressing need for safety above all else.