Ahmedabad Air India Crash: 241 Dead, One Survivor Found as British-Indian Passenger Escapes Tragedy
In one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people onboard. The flight, numbered AI-171, was en route to London with a mix of Indian and international passengers.
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Flight AI-171 Crashes Moments After Takeoff
Within two minutes, the aircraft plummeted to the ground, crashing near the airport perimeter wall and a customs cargo office. The plane had reached an altitude of just 625 feet before the sudden and tragic descent.
Witnesses described a fireball in the sky and thick black smoke engulfing the crash site. Several nearby buildings were impacted, including one housing doctors from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. At least 15 doctors sustained injuries in the incident.
British-Indian Passenger Miraculously Survives
In a glimmer of hope amid overwhelming tragedy, a British citizen of Indian origin, Ramesh Vishwas Kumar, was found alive. Seated in 11-A, Kumar was the only survivor among the 242 onboard, which included 230 passengers and 12 crew members. A video of Kumar emerging from the wreckage has surfaced online and was confirmed by Ahmedabad Police Commissioner.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Among the Victims
One of the high-profile casualties of the crash was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Confirmation of Rupani’s death came shortly after, adding a political dimension to the human tragedy.
International Passenger Breakdown Released
The passenger manifest revealed a diverse group onboard:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian citizen
Among the passengers were 103 men, 114 women, 11 children, and two infants. The identities of the deceased are proving difficult to confirm, as many bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Building Hit by the Plane Housed Medical Staff
The aircraft crashed into a residential building used by doctors working at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. At the time of the crash, around 50–60 medical professionals were in the building, over a dozen of whom suffered injuries.
Concerns Raised Over Boeing 787 Dreamliner Safety
This isn’t the first time the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been under scrutiny. Although praised for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, the model has faced several controversies over battery malfunctions and structural flaws. In the past, regulators grounded the 787 fleet globally for three months after recurring technical issues.
Air India and Tata Group Announce Relief Measures
Following the crash, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “There are no words to fully convey the sorrow we feel.”
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced a series of relief efforts for those affected:
- ₹1 crore compensation to the families of each deceased passenger.
- Full medical treatment for all injured survivors, covered entirely by the Tata Group.
- Financial support for hostel reconstruction at BJ Medical College, whose staff and facilities were impacted.
Investigation Underway as Nation Mourns
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched an inquiry into the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure, but officials are awaiting black box data to determine the exact cause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu both offered condolences and assured full government support in the rescue and investigation operations.
A National Tragedy With International Impact
The Ahmedabad air crash has left India and the world reeling. The loss of 241 lives, including international citizens and a former state chief minister, underscores the urgent need for stringent aircraft safety protocols. As authorities investigate and families mourn, the sole survivor’s tale of endurance offers a rare ray of hope amid an otherwise grim catastrophe.
keywords: Air India crash Ahmedabad, AI-171 flight crash, British Indian survivor, Vijay Rupani death, Boeing 787 crash, Air India accident, Tata compensation
