Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: Timeline, Survivors, and Rescue Efforts

On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, tragedy struck near Ahmedabad’s airport when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff. This article shares a compassionate, clear account of the timeline, survivors, and ongoing rescue efforts in the aftermath.

📅 Timeline of Events

• 1:38 PM IST: Flight AI 171 lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 souls—230 passengers and 12 crew members.
• Seconds later, the aircraft sent a distress Mayday call and struggled to gain altitude. Witnesses reported it briefly climbing to around 600 feet before descending.
• The plane crashed into a densely populated hostel housing medical students on the campus of B.J. Medical College in Meghaninagar. A terrifying explosion followed, with flames and thick smoke dotting the sky.
• Within minutes, local residents called for help, and emergency services converged on the scene. Multiple explosions rocked the area, heightening the urgency of rescue efforts .

🙏 Human Toll and Survivor Story

• Tragically, 241 of the 242 aboard lost their lives. Additionally, at least 24 individuals on the ground were killed, including students and staff in the medical hostel. Some reports mention even higher ground casualties—up to 28 lives lost .
• The only survivor was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian sitting next to an emergency exit in seat 11A. Police and hospital sources confirmed that he managed to escape through the broken exit door and was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet.
• Vishwash, around 40 years old, later described how the crash unfolded “within 30 seconds” of takeoff. He recounted finding himself amid debris and darkness, and then, miraculously, surviving.

🚨 Rescue Efforts

• As chaos erupted, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, local fire departments, and police rushed to the site. They brought heavy machinery—earthmovers, fire engines, and cranes—to comb through the debris .
• Over 130 Indian Army personnel, along with CRPF and BSF, supported civil authorities. Hospitals launched emergency operations, doctors worked tirelessly, and DNA testing began to identify victims whose remains were severely burned .
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash scene the following day to assess the damage and meet the survivor. Officials activated helplines and ensured counseling and support services for affected families.
• Investigators recovered both flight data recorders (“black boxes”). Indian agencies are leading the probe with support from Boeing, the U.S. NTSB, FAA, and the UK’s AAIB.

🔍 What Went Wrong?

While the cause remains under investigation, initial observations point to possible issues with landing gear and flaps being incorrectly configured for takeoff. A bird strike or mechanical failure have also been mentioned as potential factors. The aircraft, 12 years old, was operating in warm weather, which may have affected its climb capacity.

🕯️ Community and Global Response

• Cities mourned deeply. Flags flew at half-mast, memorials were held, and vigils were arranged for families and medical staff who perished.
• The British High Commissioner and the UK government organized ongoing consular aid for British families.
• Boeing’s CEO expressed “deepest condolences” and committed full cooperation with Indian authorities.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This crash stands as India’s worst aviation disaster in decades and the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Yet amid the sorrow, one man's survival reminds us of the fragile spark of hope. As investigators uncover the truth and families begin healing, this story speaks to human resilience, the bravery of rescue teams, and the urgent need for air safety reforms.