Air India Flight AI171 Crash: 241 Killed in Ahmedabad Tragedy
Date: June 13, 2025 | Location: Ahmedabad, India
Ahmedabad: In one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in India’s recent history, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, plunged into a hostel near BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 people, including passengers, crew, and those on the ground.
What Happened?
The flight took off at around 4:30 AM local time. Just minutes into the flight, the pilot issued a mayday call reporting engine thrust failure. Within seconds, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a residential section of the college campus, causing fires and widespread devastation.
Breakdown of the Victims
There were 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members and 230 passengers. Authorities have confirmed that 241 died in the crash. Among the deceased:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian: Dr. Nirali Patel, a 32-year-old dentist from Ontario
On the ground, at least 28 people, mostly medical students, died as the aircraft struck the hostel building. Over 50 others were injured.
Sole Survivor Identified
Miraculously, one passenger survived the crash. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin, was seated near the emergency exit and suffered multiple injuries but is now in stable condition. His brother, Ajay Kumar, was among the deceased.
Tributes and Reactions
Tributes have poured in from across the world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and promised a full investigation. British and Canadian embassies are coordinating with local authorities to support affected families.
“This is a national tragedy,” said India’s Civil Aviation Minister. “We will leave no stone unturned in finding out what went wrong.”
Investigation Underway
The black box and flight data recorder have been recovered. A joint investigation team including Indian, British, and American experts is analyzing the data. Preliminary reports suggest technical failure may have played a role, but sabotage and maintenance oversight are not ruled out yet.
Remembering the Crew
Among the heroic crew members lost were:
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal
- First Officer Clive Kunder
- Crew: Nganthoi Sharma, Lamnunthiem Singson, Roshni Songhare, and others
The aviation community is mourning their loss, and tributes from colleagues, friends, and passengers are pouring in online.
Conclusion
As families across the world grieve, attention now turns to understanding the cause of this disaster and preventing such tragedies in the future. The investigation may take weeks, but one thing is clear: Flight AI171 will not be forgotten.
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