In a tragic turn of events, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, crashed just moments after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London Gatwick.
The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, disappeared from radar just 46 seconds after takeoff, plummeting from 625 feet into a densely populated residential building used to house doctors.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying explosion and a rising column of thick black smoke blanketing the area, as emergency crews rushed to the scene. The resulting wreckage spread over a wide area, turning a bustling neighborhood into a scene of chaos and grief.
Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the grim news to India Today, saying:
“One survivor was located in seat 11A and rushed to hospital. The death toll remains uncertain but may rise due to the crash site being a residential zone.”
That lone survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who has lived in London for over 20 years, miraculously walked away from the wreckage—injured, but alive.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh described the moment everything changed:
“Just seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise… and then we crashed. I woke up surrounded by bodies. I was terrified—I just ran. Debris was everywhere. Someone pulled me into an ambulance, and the next thing I knew, I was here.”
Ramesh suffered serious injuries to his chest, feet, and eyes, but doctors report that he is in stable condition—a glimmer of hope in a story overshadowed by loss.
This developing story continues to unfold as families await confirmation of their loved ones’ fates and investigators work to determine what caused this devastating crash.
World Leaders React with Shock and Sympathy Following Ahmedabad Air Disaster
In the wake of the devastating crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, global leaders have responded swiftly, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, posting on X:
“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.”
Credit: Mehmet Yaren Bozgun / Anadolu via Getty Images
Across the globe, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a similarly heartfelt message:
“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.”
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III has been fully briefed and is closely monitoring the situation.
As families anxiously await word on their loved ones, and investigators begin piecing together the cause of the crash, the miraculous survival of British passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh has emerged as a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark and harrowing moment.