14th June 2025, Ahmedabad plane crash:
Tragedy Strikes as Air India Flight AI171 Crashes in Ahmedabad
Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in modern Indian history. The airplane was carrying 12 crew members and 230 passengers on its way to London Gatwick. Sadly, only one traveler made it out alive.
Crash Details
About 30 seconds after taking off at 1:38 PM IST, the plane lost altitude and collided with a hostel building at B.J. Medical College in the Meghaninagar region. All 242 persons on board and at least 38 people on the ground perished in the crash, making 279 people dead overall. More than 60 people were hurt, many of them seriously.
The Sole Survivor
The sole survivor was 40-year-old Indian-British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Before the disaster, he recounted terrifying scenes of flickering lights and unexpected mayhem. Ramesh thinks that the position of his seat and his ability to flee the wreckage amid the destruction are what allowed him to survive. Ajay Kumar Ramesh, his traveling brother, is thought to have passed away.
Investigation Underway
A thorough inquiry into the disaster has been started by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to preliminary investigations, there may not have been enough lift after takeoff, which might have been caused by an engine failure or improper wing flap settings. The recovery of the flight data recorder may offer vital information on what caused the catastrophe.
Global Reactions
The tragedy has been met with profound sadness from the international community. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials and survivors at the crash scene. He promised that the government will continue to oversee the probe and provide support. International leaders have also expressed their condolences, including Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan.
Aviation Safety Concerns
This is the first time a Boeing 787 aircraft has been involved in a deadly collision. According to several aviation experts examining the incident, the loss of lift and control may have been caused by a major pilot error, such as retracting the flaps rather than the landing gear. Potential issues with the engine, flaps, and landing gear are the main focus of the inquiry.
Support for Victims’ Families
To help the impacted families, Air India has set up an emergency response center and sent out specialized support personnel. In order to provide information and help during this trying period, the airline is collaborating closely with authorities.
Conclusion
The nation and the aviation community have been forever changed by the tragic accident of Air India Flight AI171. The goal of ongoing investigations is still to determine what caused the catastrophe and make sure that it doesn’t happen again. The retrieval of the flight data recorder and the testimony of the lone survivor will be essential to comprehending what transpired before the accident.