Air India Boeing 787 Crash: 241 Fatalities Confirmed in Ahmedabad Tragedy

Ahmedabad, India — An Air India passenger plane, operating Flight 171 and bound for London, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, collided with a medical college in the northwestern city, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history. Reports confirm that a single passenger, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the catastrophic incident, though he sustained multiple injuries.

According to Indian government officials, the flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Upon impact, part of the aircraft fell onto a dining facility at B.J. Medical College, claiming the lives of at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50 others, as reported by the Federation of All India Medical Association.

The cause of the crash remains undetermined. Eyewitness videos captured the aircraft in its final moments, showing its nose ascending before descending rapidly, leading to a massive fireball upon impact. An international investigation, involving agencies such as the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been initiated to ascertain the crash's specifics.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, stated, "He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, but he seems to be out of danger." Ramesh reported to local media that he was bewildered by the circumstances of his survival, having witnessed bodies scattered around the crash site.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had previously been regarded as a safe aircraft, with this incident marking its first crash. Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst, commented, "It’s a terrible tragedy, but given what little we know now, I don’t think it’s likely to have a very big impact on Boeing," emphasizing the aircraft's operational history of 16 years without a fatal accident.

As investigations unfold, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has assured that prompt actions will follow should any safety issues be identified with the Boeing 787. Meanwhile, the Indian government has begun efforts to identify victims, with many bodies charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing.

Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has committed to providing 10 million rupees (approximately $116,800) to the families of those lost in the crash, along with covering medical expenses for injured victims. Special prayers were held at Hindu temples in London, reflecting the profound impact of this tragedy across communities linked to the victims.

The crash has reignited discussions about aviation safety in India, with officials seeking to reassure the public about the safety of air travel amid a series of recent aviation incidents. The last major disaster of this magnitude in India occurred in 2010, raising concerns about the country's air travel regulations and emergency response protocols.

In light of this incident, the international aviation community is closely monitoring the developments, as the implications of the crash extend beyond national borders, affecting families and governments worldwide. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide critical insights into the safety practices surrounding the operation of commercial flights in India and globally.