Here is what we know so far about the Air India Dreamliner crash (Flight AI171) near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025:

Crash Overview

  • Flight: Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (tail VT‑ANB), took off from Ahmedabad at about 13:38 IST en route to London Gatwick (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Loss of contact: Just over a minute later (at ~625 ft), the aircraft lost vital altitude and descended rapidly into the Meghani Nagar neighborhood near B. J. Medical College (theguardian.com).
  • Impact: The crash caused a major fire, collapsing into medical hostel buildings and engulfing a dense residential zone (theguardian.com).

Casualties & Survivor

  • Onboard: 230 passengers and 12 crew.
  • Fatalities: 241 onboard; total death toll including ground casualties ranges from ~290 to 294 according to different reports (news.com.au).
  • Survivor: One British‑Indian passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (seat 11A), survived with injuries (news.com.au).
  • Notable passenger: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was aboard and later confirmed dead (theguardian.com).

Passenger Nationalities

  • Passengers: ~169 Indians, 53 Brits, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian aboard (news.com.au).
  • Ground: Additional victims included medical students and hostel residents impacted by the crash (news.com.au).

Investigations & Technical Insights

  • First fatal Dreamliner crash: This marks the first-ever hull-loss and fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (news.com.au).
  • Mayday call issued: Crew apparently issued a MAYDAY before the aircraft plummeted (news.com.au).
  • Probing agencies:
    • India’s AAIB leading investigation.
    • International assistance from NTSB (USA), FAA, UK AAIB, and Boeing (news.com.au).
  • Preliminary analysis:
    • Flight data suggests loss of lift or thrust, potentially from incorrect takeoff flaps or power settings (wsj.com).
    • CVR/FDR recovered and sent to Delhi for detailed review (fr.wikipedia.org).

Response & Reaction

  • Emergency response: Local, state (Gujarat), and national agencies, including NDRF and Army, responded swiftly with rescue, medical aid, and green corridors for injured transport .
  • Government action: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister convened with Gujarat officials; PM Modi and UK PM Starmer expressed condolences (news.com.au).
  • Corporate support: Boeing pledged full cooperation. Tata Group (Air India’s owner) announced financial aid and covering medical costs (news.com.au).

What Happens Next

  1. Ongoing investigation – The causes (technical, procedural, environmental) are under close scrutiny, with international agencies aiding.
  2. Safety audits – Expect thorough review of Dreamliner systems and Air India flight-deck procedures.
  3. Support for families – Emergency helplines, compensation, and counseling being organized.
  4. Operational impact – AI171 route suspended; Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet likely grounded or restricted pending findings.

Summary Table

Aspect

Details

Flight

AI171, Boeing 787‑8, VT‑ANB

Departure

June 12, ~13:38 IST, Ahmedabad → London Gatwick

Crash

~13:39–13:43 IST, Meghani Nagar

People onboard

242 (230 pax + 12 crew)

Fatalities onboard

~241; Ground fatalities total ~290+

Survivors

1 passenger (seat 11A)

High-profile onboard

Former CM Vijay Rupani (deceased)

 

This remains a developing situation. Investigators continue to analyze flight and cockpit data and interview witnesses. The focus now is threefold: determining the technical cause, grounding lessons for the Boeing 787 and airline procedures, and providing closure and support to affected families.

James E. Girards is an experienced trial lawyer and a licensed instrument rated pilot with ratings in single and multi-engine aircraft. If your loved one was a passenger on this airplane you deserve answers. If you would like us to help you, contact us at 214-346-9529 or through the chat feature on our web page www.GirardsLaw.com

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