On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck the skies above Ahmedabad as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed moments after takeoff. The disaster claimed the lives of 241 people. But amid the devastation, one name emerged—Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor. His survival is not just miraculous but also central to unraveling what went wrong.
This is the incredible story behind the Air India plane crash, the facts we know, the questions that remain, and the man who defied death when all hope seemed lost.
The Flight That Should Have Been Routine
Air India Flight 171 was a regularly scheduled international flight connecting Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. On board were 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1:38 PM local time under clear skies.
Within just three minutes of takeoff, tragedy struck. The aircraft experienced an abrupt loss of altitude, reportedly after reaching around 625 feet. Moments later, it crashed into a section of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, causing an enormous fireball and shockwaves across the city.
What was supposed to be a routine flight quickly became one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.
The Sole Survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh
Seated in 11A, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh had boarded Flight 171 with plans to attend a family event in the UK. He fell asleep shortly after takeoff. When he awoke, he was surrounded by smoke, fire, and twisted metal—but somehow still alive.
Emergency responders found him among the debris, covered in burns and bruises but conscious. Medical teams later said a section of the fuselage where he sat had partially remained intact, shielding him from the worst of the impact and explosion.
Doctors treating Ramesh have called his survival “a miracle,” noting that most others died instantly due to the force of the impact and the subsequent fire.
What Happened in the Sky?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but several factors are being examined:
- Landing gear malfunction: Preliminary data suggests the landing gear may have failed to retract, causing instability during ascent.
- Engine trouble: Witnesses reported hearing unusual engine noises, raising suspicions of an engine stall or explosion.
- Pilot response: A mayday call was issued but quickly cut off. Investigators are analyzing the cockpit voice recorder for clues.
- Bird strike or external impact: Ahmedabad airport is in an area where bird activity is high, and a bird strike remains a possibility.
- Autopilot or flight control failure: Given the advanced automation in the Boeing 787, software malfunction is another area under review.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the probe with support from Boeing, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Who Were the Victims?
The crash claimed the lives of 241 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Among the dead were entire families, business travelers, students, and Air India crew members.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board, along with other high-profile Indian officials. On the ground, at least six medical students from BJ Medical College died as the aircraft tore through their hostel building.
The loss has left a permanent scar on families and communities across India and beyond.
Inside the Crash Site: Eyewitness Accounts
Residents near the BJ Medical College described scenes of chaos and horror. “There was a loud noise, then fire. The ground shook,” said one local shopkeeper.
Survivors on the ground described seeing the plane flying unusually low and tilted before crashing. Some students had only seconds to escape as flames engulfed the hostel. One medical student who was in a nearby building said, “It felt like an earthquake. We didn’t know if it was a bomb or a crash.”
These eyewitness testimonies have helped investigators begin reconstructing the plane’s final seconds.
Emergency Response: A Race Against Time
Within minutes of the crash, local authorities initiated a full-scale emergency response. Firefighters, police, paramedics, and the Indian Army arrived to secure the scene, rescue survivors, and control the blaze.
Hospitals across Ahmedabad were placed on high alert. A green corridor was established for ambulances. Hundreds of volunteers offered help, including blood donations and shelter for displaced families.
Despite the massive effort, the intensity of the fire and impact left rescue teams with very few signs of life—except for one.
The Nation Reacts
The crash stunned the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, tweeting: “Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with the families of the victims.”
Vigils were held in several cities, and international leaders from the UK, Portugal, and Canada offered condolences. In London, families of British victims gathered outside the Indian High Commission, demanding answers and accountability.
Air India, now owned by Tata Group, released an official statement promising full cooperation with the investigation and financial aid to victims’ families.
The Impact on Air India and Boeing
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its launch in 2011. Known for its safety record and fuel efficiency, the Dreamliner has been widely used for international flights by major carriers.
Boeing shares fell sharply after the crash, and scrutiny is once again on the aircraft manufacturer following past issues with its 737 MAX line. Boeing has pledged to assist Indian authorities and has sent technical teams to aid in the investigation.
Air India has grounded some Dreamliner aircraft as a precaution and launched an internal audit of maintenance procedures.
The Investigation: What Comes Next?
The crash investigation is expected to take several months. Authorities have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, both of which are crucial in piecing together what happened in those final moments.
Key areas of focus include:
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Pilot training and behavior
- Airport radar data
- Weather and bird strike data
- Communications between the cockpit and control tower
The final report will likely shape future policies in both India and the global aviation industry.
One Man’s Miracle, a Nation’s Mourning
As the only survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh has become a symbol of hope amidst tragedy. He continues to recover in an Ahmedabad hospital, under tight medical care and psychological counseling. He has expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and has vowed to help investigators understand what happened.
His survival is being studied by crash experts and medical teams alike—both for forensic insights and to understand the physical factors that may have saved his life.
Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight 171 is one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history. With 241 lives lost and only one survivor, the disaster has left a profound impact on families, the aviation industry, and the country as a whole.
But in the shadow of grief, one man’s survival story stands as a testament to the unpredictability of fate and the resilience of the human spirit. As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the story of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh offers a glimmer of hope, even as we seek answers, justice, and lasting change in aviation safety.
