Air India Plane Crashes, Total Death Count Rises to 274
In a devastating incident, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, 12th June. The tragic crash claimed the lives of 274 people — 241 onboard, including passengers and crew, and 33 individuals on the ground.
The flight was bound for London but met with disaster within minutes of departure. The aircraft nosedived into the Meghani locality of the city, directly hitting a medical hostel where students were having lunch. The impact resulted in a powerful explosion, engulfing the area in thick black smoke visible for miles, prompting an immediate large-scale emergency response.
Among the deceased was former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly on board the ill-fated flight. The aircraft was being operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. Sources confirm that the plane was carrying a full load of fuel for the international journey, which intensified the explosion and led to a fierce blaze that consumed the crash site.
Rescue operations continued into the evening as authorities combed through the wreckage in search of any possible survivors, while the nation mourns one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history.
Air India Tragedy At the Residential Quarters
The confirmed death toll from the tragic Air India crash stands at 241 passengers and crew members aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Additionally, 33 individuals lost their lives on the ground at the BJ Medical College campus — the crash site — including doctors, medical students, hospital staff, and local residents from the Meghaninagar area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose altitude just moments after takeoff before crashing into a residential building within the campus. The impact caused massive destruction, igniting a fierce fire and spreading panic across the neighborhood. Emergency response teams, including fire brigades, medical personnel, and disaster management units, rushed to the site to carry out rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of the horrifying accident.
Survivor Of the Air India Crash
When fate is on your side, not even a catastrophic plane crash can take your life. This was proven true in the most unimaginable way when one man emerged alive from the tragic Air India crash. Ramesh Viswashkumar, a British citizen seated on 11A, defied death by leaping out of the aircraft moments after it crashed. He escaped with only minor injuries, making him the sole survivor of the horrific incident.
As per official sources, the doomed flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Out of the 241 people onboard, only Ramesh survived, while the rest tragically lost their lives. His miraculous escape has shocked the world and provided a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming tragedy.
What Caused The Air India Plane Crash?
Tata Group Announces ₹1 Crore Compensation for Families of Crash Victims
In response to the devastating Air India crash, the Tata Group has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each victim who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Air India Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, issued an official statement, saying,
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI 171, operating on the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this heartbreaking event. At this moment of immense grief, our primary focus is on supporting the victims and their families. We are working closely with emergency response teams on-site and are committed to providing all necessary assistance and care to those impacted.”
The airline and its parent group have assured continued support and coordination with local authorities in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Airport Operations Partially Resumed
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed operations with a limited number of flights. Passengers are being requested to check with the airlines for more information on their flights.
