241 onboard dead, only one survives in Ahmedabad Air India Boeing‑787 crash

Ahmedabad

In the worst air disaster in India in a decade, 241 of the 242 people aboard Air India Flight AI171 were killed when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical-student hostel and nearby residences shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. One British‑Indian passenger, 40‑year‑old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in emergency‑exit row 11A, miraculously survived.

Only one survivor: ‘He jumped out from 11A’

Ramesh, who suffered chest, eye, and foot injuries, was found injured and conscious among the wreckage and rushed to Civil Hospital Asarwa. He told reporters: “Thirty seconds after take-off there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed… When I got up, there were bodies all around me… I was scared. I stood up and ran.” Police said he may have jumped out of the emergency exit before the plane plummeted.

Aircraft packed with heavy fuel—Fire devastates crash site

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the aircraft was carrying about 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel, producing an intense fire that made rescue efforts nearly impossible and left most victims unidentifiable. DNA testing has begun to confirm identities. Many bodies are believed to be among crash victims and residents of the targeted hostel.

Flight composition and casualties

Flight AI171 had 230 passengers and 12 crew; the majority were Indian nationals, along with 53 from the UK, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Among the deceased were former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and several medical students staying in the hostel beneath the flight path. Additionally, at least 24 people on the ground were killed and dozens injured.

Investigation and official response

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with support from the U.S. NTSB, FAA, Boeing, GE, and the UK’s AAIB, has initiated a thorough inquiry. Authorities are retrieving the black boxes and conducting on-site investigations.

Global condolences and support

Air India’s owner, Tata Group, pledged ₹1 crore in compensation to families of the deceased and set up medical support and helplines. International leaders—including the UK prime minister and King Charles—have extended sympathies. Ahmedabad authorities responded swiftly, deploying state and Central Armed Police Forces under “war footing” conditions.