On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming over 200 lives, among them former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Eyewitness accounts, emergency response efforts and an early investigation into the cause, in one comprehensive report.

A Nation in Shock...

On June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:38 p.m. IST, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick with 242 people on board, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. In one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in years, more than 200 passengers and residents lost their lives, while dozens were injured. The crash notably claimed the life of Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021) .

The Aircraft, Flight & Tragic Descent

The aircraft involved was VT‑ANB, an 11‑year‑old Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI 171. The flight departed Ahmedabad’s Runway 23 at 13:38 IST. Mere five minutes later, as it ascended to about 625 ft, the pilots issued a Mayday and began descending with gear still extended—an alarming sign that something went catastrophically wrong. Eyewitness footage shows the plane descending unnaturally, exploding into flames as it crashed into the B.J. Medical College doctors’ hostel in Meghani Nagar. Large plumes of black smoke blanketed the sky, and debris—including the tail cone and stabilizers—was scattered across multiple floors of the devastated building.

Human Toll & Survivor Accounts

As of the latest reports:

• Officials have recovered 204 bodies, though the death toll may still rise.
• About 50 individuals—comprising survivors from the aircraft and people on the ground—are hospitalized, many in critical condition.
• One confirmed survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (seat 11A), escaped by jumping through an emergency window and is being treated at a local hospital.
• Approximately 60 medical students were staying in the hostel that was struck; of these, 41 are injured, and five are confirmed dead.

High-Profile Victim: Vijay Rupani

Among the deceased was Vijaybhai Ramniklalbhai Rupani (b. August 2, 1956), a senior BJP leader and the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021). A Rajkot native and former MP in the Rajya Sabha, Rupani had long been recognized as a moderate statesman. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through both Gujarat and national circles, prompting an outpouring of grief from leaders across the political spectrum .

Emergency Response & Government Actions

Authorities responded swiftly:

• Firefighters and the Indian Army deployed extensive search and rescue efforts to combat massive fires and reach trapped survivors .
• Three NDRF teams were mobilized, along with support from Army engineering corps.
• Ahmedabad Airport was temporarily closed to allow crash site operations, then partially reopened later.
• Central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have been continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating relief through the Civil Aviation Ministry .
• Tata Group, Air India’s owner, has committed ₹1 crore per deceased passenger’s family and pledged full medical coverage for survivors.

International and Diplomatic Response

• The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch and FAA/NTSB have offered technical assistance.
• British PM Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Canadian and Portuguese governments expressed condolences, reflecting the diverse nationalities aboard.

Investigating the Cause

With early signs pointing to a catastrophic system failure, investigators are focusing on:

• The Mayday alert issued shortly after departure, signaling imminent danger.
• Whether the landing gear retraction failure, visible in footage, contributed to the crash.
• Flight data from the Dreamliner’s flight data recorder—known for its detailed telemetry—will be critical .
• GE Aerospace and Boeing have joined forces with Indian investigators to analyze technical malfunction possibilities .

Aviation Context & Boeing’s Milestone

This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 since its service debut in 2011—marking a significant blow to the aircraft’s safety reputation. Coming just before the prestigious Paris Air Show, this disaster may cast a shadow on Boeing’s sales prospects in global markets .

Historical Perspective: India’s Aviation Disasters

India has faced several notable air tragedies:

• The 1996 mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri remains the deadliest, with 349 lives lost.
• Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed on final approach to Ahmedabad in 1988, killing 133.
• In 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 ran off a runway in Kozhikode, causing 21 deaths.

The Ahmedabad crash is now the deadliest Indian air disaster of the last decade, leaving a lasting scar on the nation’s aviation history.

What's Next: Rescue, Relief, and Responsibility

1. Emergency Aid & Funeral Coordination: Air India continues to operate relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai and has issued helpline numbers (1800 5691 444, +91 80627 79200) for relatives. Casualty details and repatriation are being managed in coordination with foreign missions.
2. Official Investigation: The AAIB, DGCA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace are collaboratively investigating system malfunctions, maintenance history, crew communications, and flight data.
3. Policy & Safety Review: Anticipate stricter scrutiny of takeoff safety protocols, especially regarding gear and flap retraction procedures. The Disaster Management Authority may also revise emergency preparedness for airport‑adjacent communities.
4. Compensation & Support: Tata Group’s ₹1 crore assistance per death, along with full medical expense coverage, aims to provide at least some immediate relief, though families may also pursue legal avenues later.

Conclusion: A Somber Reminder

The Air India Flight 171 tragedy in Ahmedabad stands not only as a devastating loss of life but as a stark reminder of aviation’s unforgiving nature, even with modern aircraft and rigorous safety protocols. The death of Vijay Rupani—a prominent political figure—intensifies national grief and demands swift, transparent investigation. As rescue efforts continue and investigations advance, India awaits answers to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.

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