Ahmedabad Air India Crash: What began as a normal take-off turned into India’s deadliest air disaster in recent times. On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight AI 171, heading to London from Ahmedabad, crashed minutes after take-off — killing 241 people on board. Only one passenger, Ramesh Viswashkumar, survived the horror.
Air India Crash Survivor: One Survivor, Hundreds of Lives Lost
Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen, was sitting near the emergency exit at seat number 11A and miraculously managed to jump out. He was flying with his brother after visiting family in India. Now recovering in a hospital, Ramesh shared from his bed, “I got up and there were bodies around me. I ran out and someone helped me into an ambulance.”
He is the only known survivor. His brother’s fate remains unknown.
Also Read: Air India plane crashes in Ahmedabad…: What we know so far?
Tragedy Beyond the Flight: 5 Medical Students Killed
The crash also took innocent lives on the ground. At BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, five young medical students lost their lives while having lunch in their hostel mess when the plane smashed into their building. Many others were injured, and the city’s civil hospital is packed with burn victims and survivors.
Their bodies have been handed over to their families in an emotional and heartbreaking moment.
How the Crash Happened
Flight AI 171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:30 PM. Minutes later, the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ call, signalling full emergency. The plane lost altitude and crashed into a residential quarter of doctors at BJ Medical College. A massive fire followed, with thick black smoke visible from far.
Visuals from the scene showed rescue workers pulling out bodies, some burned beyond recognition, and others being rushed to the hospital.
Country Mourns the Loss
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the passengers who died. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with local officials and families affected by the tragedy.
Investigation Ordered
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has announced a high-level committee to probe the cause of the crash. Experts suggest a possible lack of engine thrust or a bird hit as potential causes, but the real reason will be confirmed after the investigation.
India is in shock. One moment, people were flying out to return home or explore the world. In the next, lives were lost — both in the air and on the ground. For now, Ramesh’s survival remains a flicker of hope in the middle of this painful tragedy.
FAQs
Who survived the Air India Ahmedabad crash?
Only one man, Ramesh Viswashkumar, a British national, survived by jumping out through an emergency exit.
How many people died in the crash?
241 people, including all passengers and crew. Five people on the ground also died.
Were there any students among the victims?
Yes, five medical students died while eating lunch at their hostel when the plane crashed into their building.
Where did the crash happen?
Near BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad.
Who is investigating the crash?
A high-level central government committee, announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
Was anyone important among the victims?
Yes, former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on board and died in the crash.
