AIR India Plane Crash: Authorities confirmed 265 deaths

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, at approximately 1:38 PM local time. The plane, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members (242 total), issued a Mayday call seconds after reaching an altitude of 625 feet, reporting “no thrust” and a “lack of power.” It crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, impacting a doctors’ hostel and a medical college dining hall near the airport.

Casualties and Survivors:

The crash killed 241 of the 242 people on board, with the sole survivor being Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A. He sustained multiple injuries but is reported to be out of danger and receiving treatment.
At least 24–36 people on the ground, including medical students and doctors, feared killed when the plane struck a hostel and dining hall at B.J. Medical College. The total death toll is estimated at 265–294, pending DNA confirmation. Till date authorities confirmed 265 deaths
Notable victims include former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, British couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, and a family of three Britons (Akeel, Hannaa, and their daughter Sara). Crew members included air hostess Roshni Rajendra Songhare, 27, and first officer Clive Kunder.

Investigation and Possible Causes:

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation, with a focus on recovering the black box (flight data and cockpit voice recorders).
Preliminary theories include:
Engine failure: A pilot’s Mayday call indicated a loss of power in the General Electric engines..
Environmental factors: The crash occurred in 40°C heat, which reduces air density and lift, potentially exacerbating takeoff issues.
Mechanical issues: Questions have been raised about the landing gear position and possible flap malfunctions.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had an exemplary safety record until this incident, marking its first fatal crash since entering service in 2011.

Response and Aftermath:

Rescue operations involved over 90 emergency workers, with firefighters battling intense flames and thick smoke.
The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, announced ₹1 crore (approx. £86,000) compensation for victims’ families, with additional payments of ₹1.5 crore under the Montreal Convention.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will visit Ahmedabad on June 13, called the crash “heartbreaking.” Other leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed condolences.
Ahmedabad airport operations resumed, but the crash site remains under investigation.
Boeing’s stock fell over 4–7% after the crash, reflecting renewed scrutiny on the company.

The investigation is ongoing, and definitive causes may take weeks or months to confirm. For further updates, follow reputable news sources or Air India’s official statements.