Ahmedabad: In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history, an Air India flight bound for London crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing an estimated 317 people. Miraculously, a single passenger has survived.
The ill-fated Flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM but plunged to the ground within five minutes, crashing into the Atulyam Flats complex near Meghaninagar. The area, which housed medical staff from the nearby Civil Hospital, was densely populated at the time.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. It reportedly climbed only 600 to 800 feet before losing altitude rapidly and crashing into the residential buildings, sparking a massive fireball visible for miles.
Among the dead are at least 75 residents of the apartment complex, including MBBS students and hospital staff, according to initial reports. Emergency crews are treating about 40 injured survivors from the crash site at Civil Hospital’s trauma wards C7, C8, B2, and B7.
Tragically, among the deceased were three prominent personalities, whose untimely demise has sent shockwaves across Gujarat’s political and business circles. As per official reports, the victims include: Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat; Pramukh Nanda, Founder of Cargo Motors and Subhas Amin, Director of Lubi Industries.
Their loss is being mourned deeply across the state. These individuals were not only leaders in their respective fields but also played significant roles in Gujarat’s growth story.
Top leaders including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several industrialists have expressed their heartfelt condolences and paid tribute to their legacy.
A shocking revelation emerged as one passenger, 40-year-old British-Indian Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was pulled from the wreckage alive. Ramesh, who was returning to the UK after visiting India, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently under treatment. His survival is being called nothing short of a miracle.
In a video circulating on social media, Ramesh is seen limping and covered in blood and soot. Speaking to Hindustan Times from his hospital bed, he said, “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly… when I woke up, there were bodies all around. I was terrified. I just ran.”
A 38-year-old, who was seated on 11A, is now reportedly the lone survivor of the Air India plane crash. The person has been identified as Ramesh Viswashkumar. According to reports, he jumped out of the emergency exit.#AirIndia #PlaneCrash #Viral #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/VVve7DtGse
— India Today NE (@IndiaTodayNE) June 12, 2025
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that Ramesh was found alive in seat 11A.
Multiple fire brigades and emergency teams were dispatched immediately. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by towering smoke. Preliminary video footage suggests the aircraft was struggling to gain altitude and exploded upon impact, likely due to its fully fueled state for the long-haul journey to London.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. Investigations by aviation and safety authorities are underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed grief and pledged full support for the victims’ families and the ongoing rescue efforts.
