The Crossbill Team
In a catastrophic air disaster that has shaken the nation, an Air India flight bound for London crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, killing 241 people on board.
Amidst the devastation, authorities confirmed that one passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived and is currently undergoing treatment.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 p.m. and issued a distress signal within minutes before crashing into the hostel mess building of B.J. Medical College in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff and crashed into a residential zone, causing additional casualties on the ground.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik initially stated that no survivors were expected. However, speaking to ANI later, he confirmed that one passenger in seat 11A had been rescued and taken to the hospital.
The survivor, 38-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, had been visiting Gujarat with his brother and was returning to London.
According to reports, he sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet and is being treated at Civil Hospital in Asarwa.
“There were bodies all around me, there were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance,” Vishwash reportedly told News18.
He said the aircraft encountered trouble within 30 seconds of takeoff and the crash happened “so quickly” that he hardly had time to react.
His brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, is feared to be among the dead.
Earlier G.S Malik confirmed the grim toll to the Associated Press, saying, “There appear to be no survivors,” and added that casualties likely include local residents as the plane went down in a populated area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and lost contact with air traffic control.
The flight was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The DGCA identified Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar as the pilots.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and crashed into the hostel mess building of B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighbourhood. The crash occurred during lunchtime, injuring several undergraduate MBBS students who were inside.
Gujarat-based media outlet Vibes of India reported that 20 students were hospitalized, while NDTV said at least five had died.
Police sources told The Hindu that 204 bodies had been recovered and 41 injured persons transported to hospitals, though these figures remain provisional as search and rescue efforts continue.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in a post on X, urged BJP workers to assist in rescue operations and extended prayers to the affected families.
“The news of the loss of many lives in the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is extremely saddening. In connection with this tragic incident, I have spoken to Gujarat BJP State President and Union Minister Shri C.R. Paatil ji, as well as State Health Minister Shri Rushikesh Patel, and reviewed the arrangements for medical facilities and relief efforts. I appeal to all BJP workers to actively participate in rescue and relief operations and extend all possible support to the affected families,” he wrote.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock, noting that many British nationals were among the passengers.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he posted on X.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed state agencies to create green corridors for transporting the injured and to prioritize medical treatment. He said Home Minister Amit Shah had assured full central support, including deployment of NDRF teams.
“Home minister Amit Shah also communicated with me and assured full help of NDRF teams and Central Government for rescue and relief operations in this plane crash,” Patel wrote on X.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said rescue teams were on high alert.
“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he said, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
Of the 242 onboard, Air India confirmed that 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking,” stating he was in constant touch with authorities.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” he wrote on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the crash “heartbreaking” and urged urgent relief operations.
“The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical – every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground,” he said.
CPI(M) expressed grief over the crash, urging the government to prioritize rescue and relief operations.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the crash of the Air India flight with 242 people in a densely-populated area in Ahmedabad. We urge the government to mount swift rescue operations. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families,” the party wrote on X.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described the incident as “horrifying,” while SP leader Akhilesh Yadav demanded a swift and transparent probe.
The Adani Group, which operates the Ahmedabad airport, confirmed that the facility had been temporarily closed after the crash but had since resumed limited operations.
Chairman Gautam Adani said in a post on X, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground.”
Footage from the scene showed heavy smoke billowing from the crash site and panicked residents fleeing the area. Journalist Sheela Bhatt posted videos online showing chaos and the arrival of emergency teams.
Air India has set up an emergency center to assist families and said further updates would follow pending verified information.
As the nation reels from one of the worst air disasters in recent memory, authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and have promised a thorough inquiry.
Amidst the devastation, authorities confirmed that one passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived and is currently undergoing treatment.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 p.m. and issued a distress signal within minutes before crashing into the hostel mess building of B.J. Medical College in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff and crashed into a residential zone, causing additional casualties on the ground.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik initially stated that no survivors were expected. However, speaking to ANI later, he confirmed that one passenger in seat 11A had been rescued and taken to the hospital.
The survivor, 38-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, had been visiting Gujarat with his brother and was returning to London.
This plane had 242 passengers.
— Rahul Bansal (@rbansal9255) June 12, 2025
241 died and only 1 Survived.
Meet Ramesh Vishwaskumar of Seat 11A
This will make you believe in Miracles.
He had 0.000001% Chance of Survival, yet he survived.
Jaako raakhe Saiyan, Maar Sake na Koye.#planecrash #AirIndia #BJMedical #Ramesh pic.twitter.com/xilrnoF1bQ
According to reports, he sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet and is being treated at Civil Hospital in Asarwa.
“There were bodies all around me, there were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance,” Vishwash reportedly told News18.
He said the aircraft encountered trouble within 30 seconds of takeoff and the crash happened “so quickly” that he hardly had time to react.
His brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, is feared to be among the dead.
Earlier G.S Malik confirmed the grim toll to the Associated Press, saying, “There appear to be no survivors,” and added that casualties likely include local residents as the plane went down in a populated area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and lost contact with air traffic control.
The flight was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The DGCA identified Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar as the pilots.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and crashed into the hostel mess building of B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighbourhood. The crash occurred during lunchtime, injuring several undergraduate MBBS students who were inside.
Gujarat-based media outlet Vibes of India reported that 20 students were hospitalized, while NDTV said at least five had died.
Police sources told The Hindu that 204 bodies had been recovered and 41 injured persons transported to hospitals, though these figures remain provisional as search and rescue efforts continue.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in a post on X, urged BJP workers to assist in rescue operations and extended prayers to the affected families.
“The news of the loss of many lives in the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is extremely saddening. In connection with this tragic incident, I have spoken to Gujarat BJP State President and Union Minister Shri C.R. Paatil ji, as well as State Health Minister Shri Rushikesh Patel, and reviewed the arrangements for medical facilities and relief efforts. I appeal to all BJP workers to actively participate in rescue and relief operations and extend all possible support to the affected families,” he wrote.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock, noting that many British nationals were among the passengers.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he posted on X.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed state agencies to create green corridors for transporting the injured and to prioritize medical treatment. He said Home Minister Amit Shah had assured full central support, including deployment of NDRF teams.
“Home minister Amit Shah also communicated with me and assured full help of NDRF teams and Central Government for rescue and relief operations in this plane crash,” Patel wrote on X.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said rescue teams were on high alert.
“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he said, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
Of the 242 onboard, Air India confirmed that 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking,” stating he was in constant touch with authorities.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” he wrote on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the crash “heartbreaking” and urged urgent relief operations.
“The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical – every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground,” he said.
CPI(M) expressed grief over the crash, urging the government to prioritize rescue and relief operations.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the crash of the Air India flight with 242 people in a densely-populated area in Ahmedabad. We urge the government to mount swift rescue operations. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families,” the party wrote on X.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described the incident as “horrifying,” while SP leader Akhilesh Yadav demanded a swift and transparent probe.
The Adani Group, which operates the Ahmedabad airport, confirmed that the facility had been temporarily closed after the crash but had since resumed limited operations.
Chairman Gautam Adani said in a post on X, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground.”
Footage from the scene showed heavy smoke billowing from the crash site and panicked residents fleeing the area. Journalist Sheela Bhatt posted videos online showing chaos and the arrival of emergency teams.
Air India has set up an emergency center to assist families and said further updates would follow pending verified information.
As the nation reels from one of the worst air disasters in recent memory, authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and have promised a thorough inquiry.
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