A Dark Day That Shook the Nation
June 12, 2025 will forever remain etched in our memory. On this heartbreaking day, Air India Flight AI171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff. Aboard the aircraft were 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The tragedy took the lives of 241 individuals, with only one passenger surviving the crash.
Even more devastating, the plane struck a student hostel belonging to BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, killing 28 medical students and injuring dozens. A space meant for education and healing became a site of unimaginable loss.
A Loss That Touched Every Corner of the Nation
Those who lost their lives were not just numbers. They were sons, daughters, parents, students, professionals — people with dreams and loved ones waiting for them.
This loss isn’t just for the bereaved families alone — it belongs to every household that has ever prayed for a safe journey.
The Survivor
Amid the wreckage, one life was miraculously spared. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen seated near an emergency exit, survived with non-life-threatening injuries. He is currently under medical care and expected to make a full recovery.
A Tragic End to Prominent Lives
Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat. His untimely death has deeply saddened the political community and the people of the state.
Crash Summary
- Flight Name: Air India AI171
- Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Crash Time: Around 1:43 PM IST
- Location: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
- Ground Casualties: BJ Medical College Hostel - 28 medical students
Passenger and Casualty Summary
• India 🇮🇳 – Indian Citizens – 169
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧 – British Citizens – 53
• Portugal 🇵🇹 – Portuguese Citizens – 7
• Canada 🇨🇦 – Canadian Citizen – 1
• India 🇮🇳 – Crew Members – 12 (all Indian nationals)
• India 🇮🇳 – Civilians on Ground – 28 (from BJ Medical College Hostel)
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧 – Survivor – 1 (Vishwash Kumar Ramesh)
Honouring Our Emergency Responders
We offer our deepest respect to the firefighters, medical teams, local police, and volunteers who rushed into danger to save others. Their bravery and commitment, despite chaos and fire, are a testament to human courage.
National and Global Mourning
From Ahmedabad to London, communities came together in prayer and reflection. Candlelight vigils were held in several cities. The Prime Minister of India, top officials, and foreign dignitaries expressed heartfelt condolences.
Compensation and Support for Families
Financial Support
- Air India (Tata Group): ₹1 crore per deceased individual
- Government of India: ₹1 crore per deceased individual
Each affected family will receive a total compensation of ₹2 crore.
Additional Support
- Assistance with identification and repatriation
- Free counseling for grieving families
- Educational support for surviving dependents
- Priority passport and visa services for families traveling internationally
Convert Compensation to Your Local Currency
To understand the equivalent of ₹1 crore in your country’s currency, use the secure converter on our website: maadiveedu.com/converter
Ongoing Investigation
The aircraft’s black boxes have been recovered, and a detailed investigation is underway by:
- DGCA (India)
- NTSB (USA)
- UK Civil Aviation Authority
- Boeing and GE Aerospace
Initial reports suggest a technical failure shortly after takeoff, but a conclusive cause will be released once the official analysis is completed.
In Memory of the Departed
We mourn for every soul lost — people who had plans, dreams, and families who will never be the same. May we carry their memory forward with dignity and care. May we hold our loved ones closer and never take a moment for granted.
This is not just a tragedy — it’s a reminder of life’s fragility and the strength we find when we stand together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Air India Flight AI171?
The flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 out of 242 people on board. It also caused fatalities on the ground, hitting a medical student hostel.
Who survived the crash?
The only survivor was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated near an emergency exit.
How many people died on the ground?
28 medical students from BJ Medical College Hostel, Ahmedabad, died when the aircraft crashed into their building.
Was any prominent figure on board?
Yes, Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was one of the passengers who lost his life.
How much compensation is being given?
Each deceased individual's family will receive a total of ₹2 crore — ₹1 crore from Air India and ₹1 crore from the Government of India.
What support is available for families?
In addition to financial compensation:
- DNA identification and body repatriation are being managed.
- Counselling is being offered to grieving families.
- Educational and logistical support is being arranged for dependents.
Final Words from MaadiVeedu
We at MaadiVeedu.com and blog.maadiveedu.com express our deepest sympathy to the families and friends affected by this tragedy. You are not alone in your grief. As a nation, we mourn with you. We remember each life lost and pledge to keep their memory alive.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.