On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The tragedy claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew. Dozens more were killed on the ground when the aircraft collided with a student residential block at B.J. Medical College.
This devastating accident is the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the deadliest aviation disaster in India in almost two decades. While the full investigation is ongoing, early reports have provided both technical clues and heartbreaking personal accounts of the victims.
Passenger Demographics and Ground Casualties
There were 242 people on board, consisting of:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British citizens
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7 Portuguese nationals
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1 Canadian national
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12 cabin crew members
At least 38 people on the ground were also killed, most of whom were students and staff members having lunch at a residential hostel operated by B. J. Medical College. Local authorities stated that the hostel absorbed the majority of the aircraft’s impact, resulting in a catastrophic fire and collapse of several rooms.
The sole survivor of the crash was Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British-Indian national who was seated near an emergency exit. He managed to escape moments after the aircraft split apart and was later hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Confirmed Victims: Remembering Lives Lost
Hardik Avaiya and Vibhooti Patel
An engaged couple from Leicester, UK. They had been in India celebrating their engagement and were returning to the UK to prepare for their wedding. Friends described them as “deeply in love, generous, and full of life.”
Dhir and Heer Baxi
Sisters in their early 20s, both born and raised in London. They had flown to India to surprise their grandmother on her birthday. Dhir was a fashion designer and graduate of Parsons Paris, while Heer was a product manager who loved working in fintech and data.
Kalyani and Gaurav Brahmbhatt
This Burton-upon-Trent couple were well-known in their community. Gaurav worked in logistics, and Kalyani was a dedicated volunteer. Their close friends described them as joyful and inspiring, with a deep love for travel.
The Girish Family
Hemaxi Shantilal and Girish Lagli from Wembley, London, were onboard with their two children—Aadiv and Taksvi. The family was returning from a religious pilgrimage. They were seated together near row 30, and it is believed Taksvi was sitting on an adult’s lap at the time of the crash.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek
A British married couple and co-founders of a holistic wellness center in London. Their last Instagram post, uploaded shortly before boarding, showed them smiling and laughing at Ahmedabad Airport.
Dr. Prateek Joshi and Family
A radiologist at Royal Derby Hospital, Dr. Joshi was traveling with his wife Komi Vyas and their three children—Miraya (8), and twin boys Nakul and Pradyut (5). They were returning to the UK after a family visit to India. Hospital colleagues described him as “always joyful, deeply compassionate, and loved by all.”
Mohammed Adnan Master
An East London resident, father, and active member of the Cann Hall Deen & Education Trust. He was returning from India with his 11-month-old baby. Both are believed to have died in the crash.
Raxa Modha and Rudra Modha
Raxa, a grandmother from Wellingborough, was traveling with her two-year-old grandson, Rudra. They were returning to the UK for a memorial service following the recent passing of Raxa’s husband.
Panna Nagar
A well-known educator and Ofsted inspector, Panna was also an advocate for childhood education. Her grandchildren described her as “the heart of the family—loving, wise, and endlessly nurturing.”
Renjitha Gopakumaran Nair
A nurse at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Renjitha had just submitted her resignation and was preparing to permanently return to Kerala, India, to be with her children and mother. She had finalized plans for a housewarming at her newly built home.
Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and Sara Nanabawa
A Gloucester-based family who were visiting India for a surprise trip. All three died in the crash. Friends recalled their warmth, generosity, and the joyful spirit of young Sara.
Ashok and Shobhana Patel
A couple from Orpington, Kent, returning from a family wedding. They had just spoken to their granddaughter via phone minutes before boarding. Their son described them as “our foundation, our joy, and our light.”
Manju Mahesh Patel
A 79-year-old grandmother involved in temple charity work in Ahmedabad. She had filled her suitcase with treats for her grandchildren back in London and was seated in row 12, just behind the sole survivor.
Ajay Kumar Ramesh
Ajay, the brother of survivor Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was traveling in a nearby row. He is confirmed deceased. Their cousin described the surviving brother as “in shock and still searching for answers.”
Singson
A cabin crew member on AI 171 and the main provider for her mother and younger brother. Her family described her as deeply devoted, hardworking, and “the pride of her home.”
Javed and Mariam Syed
West Londoners and parents of two children, Zayn and Amani. They were returning from a family vacation. Javed worked in hospitality, while Mariam was employed by Harrods.
Adam and Hasina Taju, and Altafhusen Patel
Adam (72), Hasina (70), and their son-in-law Altafhusen (51) were returning from a family visit. Their family in Blackburn is mourning privately. Friends described them as generous and compassionate community members.
Ketan Shah
A 43-year-old shop owner from Dorset. Ketan had traveled to India to visit his ailing father. Before takeoff, he phoned his wife to let her know he was boarding. It was the last time they spoke.
Ground Victims: Lives Lost in the Hostel
At least 38 individuals on the ground lost their lives when the aircraft struck the student hostel of B.J. Medical College. Many were medical students and faculty members who were eating lunch in the canteen. Rescue efforts continued for over 24 hours, with charred debris and identification delays complicating body recovery. DNA testing is being used to identify several of the victims.
Witnesses described a “massive explosion” followed by smoke and screams. Lunch trays and personal belongings were found scattered around the wreckage. Local hospitals are supporting bereaved families and offering trauma counseling services.
Investigation: Possible Mechanical Failure and RAT Deployment
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the crash probe, assisted by:
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UK’s AAIB
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US-based NTSB and FAA
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Boeing and GE Aerospace
Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage suggest the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed mid-air, a backup system that only activates when there is a complete engine failure or power loss. Preliminary analysis also pointed to a possible malfunction in the flaps or landing gear system, although this is not confirmed.
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has grounded all Boeing 787 aircraft registered in the country (34 planes total) for emergency inspections.
Global Response and Memorials
The crash triggered a global outpouring of grief:
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UK Parliament and Indian Lok Sabha held moments of silence.
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King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued public condolences.
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Community vigils were held in London, Leicester, Derby, and Gloucester.
A special interfaith ceremony in London was attended by over 200 members of the Indian diaspora, religious leaders, and local officials. Community members called for stronger international aviation safety regulations.
Final Thoughts
The crash of Air India Flight AI 171 is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety, accountability, and community support. Each victim leaves behind a legacy—of family, of professional contribution, of love, and of dreams never fulfilled. As investigations continue and families grieve, the world watches with heavy hearts.
Aviation authorities and manufacturers must commit to transparency, rigorous oversight, and preventive measures to ensure tragedies like this are never repeated. For now, the focus remains on honoring those lost, supporting survivors, and finding answers.