The Day the Sky Fell: Air India Flight AI171, June 12, 2025

 The Day the Sky Fell: Air India Flight AI171, June 12, 2025


A profound tragedy struck Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophic incident claimed the lives of 241 people on board, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members, with a single miraculous survivor. The plane fell into a residential area, specifically the hostel complex of B.J. Medical College, near the airport, resulting in additional fatalities and injuries.

Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft lost altitude shortly after becoming airborne, and a video captured the chilling sight of the jet descending before a massive fireball erupted as it hit the ground. The impact was fuelled by the plane's full fuel load, and caused extensive damage to the adjacent buildings and leaving bodies charred beyond recognition. Emergency services, including multiple NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams, fire brigades, ambulances, and police, were called for rescue and recovery operations.

Among the deceased were prominent figures, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was travelling to London to visit family. The passenger list revealed a diverse list, with 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board. The lone survivor, a British national of Indian origin identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, jumped from the plane and is currently receiving treatment for multiple injuries.

Before the crash, exactly at 1:39pm (one minute after the takeoff), Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced pilot with 8,200 flying hours, issued a "Mayday" distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), signalling a full emergency. However, contact was lost shortly after, and the aircraft ceased responding to calls. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft departed from Runway 23 before disappearing from radar.

A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to determine the cause of this devastating accident. Authorities are focusing on retrieving the black boxes, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are crucial to reconstructing the flight's final moments and understanding what led to the tragic incident. Aviation experts have speculated on various possibilities, including engine failure, a bird strike, or other technical snags, but the official cause remains under investigation.

The incident has sent shockwaves across India and the world, prompting condolences from leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Leo XIV. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of each deceased passenger and pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured, while also committing to assist in rebuilding efforts at the affected medical college hostel. I believe that while a Rs 1 crore compensation is substantial, it can never truly measure or replace the profound human loss and enduring grief of the families. The emotional toll on the affected families is immense, with many grappling with unimaginable loss and the daunting task of identifying their loved ones through DNA samples.

I pray for the families and hope they find peace amidst their profound grief.


Comment down your thoughts on this! Lets pray for the wellbeing of these families together!

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