SUMMARY

The article from The Economic Times reports a tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12, 2025.

Key details

1. Incident: Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm IST. The plane crashed into a medical college complex in the Meghani Nagar area, bursting into flames.
2. Casualties: At least 265 people were killed, including 242 passengers and crew members on board and others on the ground. Among the deceased were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, five MBBS students, one postgraduate resident doctor, and the wife of a superspecialist doctor from BJ Medical College. Over 60 medical students were injured.
3. Survivor: One passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, miraculously survived and is receiving treatment.
4. Notable Victim: Vijay Rupani, aged 68, was confirmed dead by Union Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil. Rupani was traveling to London to visit his daughter and son-in-law. He served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021.
5. Response: Rescue operations were completed, with 265 bodies taken to Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating, with the black box recovered. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the US National Transportation Safety Board are assisting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, and Air India set up assistance centers in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick, along with a helpline (1800 5691 444 for India, +91 8062779200 for international callers).
6. Impact: The crash, the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, led to the suspension of operations at Ahmedabad airport. The heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight intensified the fire, complicating rescue efforts.
7. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation experts noting a possible engine failure as the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff.

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