June 2025 – Ahmedabad, India — A tragic aviation incident involving Air India Flight AI171 occurred shortly after the aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick and had 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, as confirmed by Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Among the few known survivors of the accident is Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, a 38-year-old British national who shared his account from the hospital where he is currently being treated.

The Survivor: Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada
According to details confirmed by medical and aviation authorities, Mr. Bucharvada was seated in seat 11A when the crash occurred. He reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including trauma to the chest, eye, and leg areas, and was transported promptly to a local hospital for treatment.

He had been visiting family in India and was returning to London with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, aged 45. Mr. Bucharvada has resided in the United Kingdom for nearly two decades, where he lives with his wife and children. At the time of the crash, his brother was seated in another row on the same aircraft. Mr. Bucharvada has since expressed concern regarding the whereabouts of his brother, as he has not been located among the known survivors.

Timeline and Official Response
Takeoff: Flight AI171 departed at approximately 1:38 p.m. IST.

Crash Location: Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed in the vicinity of a medical college campus near the airport.

Rescue Efforts: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local emergency services, responded swiftly to the scene. Emergency operations included search and recovery teams, firefighting units, and trauma care ambulances.

As of June 13, Indian aviation authorities and state officials reported that at least 204 deceased individuals had been located. This figure includes passengers aboard the aircraft as well as individuals on the ground who were in the vicinity of the crash site. Final casualty numbers are pending official identification and confirmation by the DGCA and local law enforcement.

Investigations Underway
India’s DGCA, in cooperation with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has launched a formal inquiry into the crash. Officials have indicated that a thorough examination of:

Flight data recorders (black boxes), Cockpit voice recordings, and Maintenance logs will be used to determine the cause of the incident. No preliminary cause has been officially released as of this writing. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has confirmed its full cooperation with Indian authorities and stated that a technical team is on standby to assist with the investigation, in accordance with international aviation safety protocols.

Passenger and Crew Manifest
Air India released a partial demographic summary of those aboard:

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British nationals
• 7 Portuguese nationals
• 1 Canadian national
• 12 crew members

Embassies and consular teams are working closely with Indian authorities to assist families in identifying victims and managing repatriation and support services.

Hospitalization and Survivor Support
Mr. Bucharvada is receiving medical care at a hospital in Ahmedabad. According to attending physicians, his condition is stable. The hospital, in collaboration with Air India and the British High Commission in India, is providing counseling and logistical assistance.

In coordination with India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, support centers have been established for families of victims and survivors. Services include trauma counseling, legal assistance, and coordination of transport and accommodation for affected relatives.

Global Reactions and Air Safety Measures
The incident has prompted international expressions of condolence, including statements from: The Indian Prime Minister’s Office, The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and International aviation organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Air India has temporarily grounded other aircraft from the same fleet model pending further internal safety checks. The DGCA has also issued notices to all domestic carriers to reinforce pre-departure aircraft inspections and crew preparedness reviews.

Air India and Fleet Details
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved was part of Air India’s long-haul fleet. According to public records and fleet databases, this aircraft model is known for fuel efficiency and transcontinental range capabilities. The 787-8 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and composite materials designed to improve flight safety and passenger comfort.

However, aviation experts note that the performance of any aircraft is also dependent on maintenance quality, operational protocols, and airport ground conditions, all of which are being reviewed in the current investigation.

Ongoing Updates and Public Communication
The DGCA and Air India continue to provide regular press briefings to ensure transparency. Families of passengers have been instructed to contact official helplines for verified information. The helplines have been made available in multiple languages and remain operational 24/7.

Authorities are urging the public and media to refrain from speculating on unverified causes of the crash while the investigation is ongoing. Verified information will be released through official government and airline channels only.

Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has marked a somber chapter in Indian civil aviation history. The survival of Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada offers a rare moment of hope amid widespread tragedy. As investigations progress, the priority remains supporting affected families and uncovering the factual circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

For continued updates, refer only to:

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): https://dgca.gov.in
• Air India Official Site: https://www.airindia.com
• Ministry of Civil Aviation, India: https://civilaviation.gov.in