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Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
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Tragic crash of Air India flight 171 claims 241 lives near Ahmedabad
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost power shortly after takeoff, leading to a catastrophic accident.
An Air India flight, designated AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals onboard.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which took off at approximately 1:38 PM local time, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it lost engine power and crashed in a densely populated area, striking a medical college and a adjacent student canteen.
Pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flying experience, reportedly issued a mayday call stating, 'Mayday…no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,' just moments before the aircraft went down.
Co-pilot Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours of experience, was assisting during the emergency procedure.
The aircraft was reported to be at an altitude of around 400 feet when power loss occurred shortly after taking off.
Air India confirmed there was only one survivor, a British national of Indian descent, who is currently receiving medical treatment.
The final count of fatalities includes 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
Reports indicate that at least 50 individuals on the ground also lost their lives, with many others injured as the plane crashed in a populated zone.
Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft flying at a low altitude over urban rooftops before disappearing from view.
Witnesses reported seeing a fireball following the crash, which took place just 17 seconds after the loss of altitude signal.
The aircraft's signal was lost according to flight tracking applications, which noted that it occurred at 10:08 AM local time.
Investigations are currently active to ascertain the crash's cause, with discussions among aviation experts suggesting various possibilities, including potential pilot error or simultaneous engine failure.
Air India acknowledged the tragic incident in a statement, expressing condolences to the families affected by this disaster.
They also noted the aircraft had a service history of 12 years and was relatively modern within their fleet.
In a further confirmation of the flight's details, Gatwick Airport stated that Air India flight AI171 was scheduled to arrive there at 6:25 PM local time.
The survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, spoke to family members after the crash, expressing disbelief about his escape from the wreckage.
His brother relayed the family's initial shock upon learning of the incident.
As the investigation continues, officials will review various factors surrounding the crash to enhance safety protocols in the aviation sector.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which took off at approximately 1:38 PM local time, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it lost engine power and crashed in a densely populated area, striking a medical college and a adjacent student canteen.
Pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flying experience, reportedly issued a mayday call stating, 'Mayday…no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,' just moments before the aircraft went down.
Co-pilot Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours of experience, was assisting during the emergency procedure.
The aircraft was reported to be at an altitude of around 400 feet when power loss occurred shortly after taking off.
Air India confirmed there was only one survivor, a British national of Indian descent, who is currently receiving medical treatment.
The final count of fatalities includes 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
Reports indicate that at least 50 individuals on the ground also lost their lives, with many others injured as the plane crashed in a populated zone.
Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft flying at a low altitude over urban rooftops before disappearing from view.
Witnesses reported seeing a fireball following the crash, which took place just 17 seconds after the loss of altitude signal.
The aircraft's signal was lost according to flight tracking applications, which noted that it occurred at 10:08 AM local time.
Investigations are currently active to ascertain the crash's cause, with discussions among aviation experts suggesting various possibilities, including potential pilot error or simultaneous engine failure.
Air India acknowledged the tragic incident in a statement, expressing condolences to the families affected by this disaster.
They also noted the aircraft had a service history of 12 years and was relatively modern within their fleet.
In a further confirmation of the flight's details, Gatwick Airport stated that Air India flight AI171 was scheduled to arrive there at 6:25 PM local time.
The survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, spoke to family members after the crash, expressing disbelief about his escape from the wreckage.
His brother relayed the family's initial shock upon learning of the incident.
As the investigation continues, officials will review various factors surrounding the crash to enhance safety protocols in the aviation sector.
