Ramesh Kumar, a British citizen of Indian origin, had just spent a few days in India visiting relatives. His trip was coming to an end, and he was at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, preparing to board Air India flight AI-171 to London. After clearing security, Ramesh settled into his window seat, 11A, gazing at the runway, thinking he’d soon be back in his comfort zone at home.

But just 30 seconds after takeoff, disaster struck. A loud explosion rocked the aircraft, turning it into a fireball within seconds. Screams, smoke, burning seats, and scattered belongings filled the cabin. Ramesh lost consciousness amidst the chaos, the last thing he remembered was panic all around him.

When he awoke, he found himself amidst the wreckage, surrounded by bodies and devastation. Rescue teams soon arrived, asking if he could hear them. Barely able to speak, Ramesh pleaded with rescuers to find his brother, who was also on the flight. Of the 242 people onboard, only two survived: Ramesh and another unidentified passenger.

The horrifying crash made headlines not only in India but around the world. The burning question: how could such a tragedy happen just seconds after takeoff? Was it a technical fault, or human error? Investigations began immediately, but answers were not easy to find.

Ramesh, now hospitalized, survived physically, but the emotional and psychological trauma remains overwhelming. The purpose of sharing his story is not to spread fear, but to remind us all how fragile life can be—everything can change in a second.

A Routine Departure Turns Fatal

On the day of the crash, Air India flight AI-171 underwent standard technical checks at Ahmedabad’s international airport. Engineers inspected the engines, checked wheel pressure, and ensured there was enough fuel for the long journey to London. Crew members reviewed safety protocols with the 230 passengers, including 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven from Portugal, and one Canadian, along with 10 crew members.

Captain Sumit Sabharwal, with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and co-pilot Clive Kundar, with over 10,100 hours, prepared for takeoff. The atmosphere onboard was cheerful—passengers took selfies, made video calls, and shared moments on social media. Among them was the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, whose presence made the flight special for many.

But within moments of takeoff, at just 625 feet altitude, something went terribly wrong. A witness in a nearby building noticed the plane behaving abnormally and began recording on his phone. In the cockpit, Captain Sabharwal’s voice was tense as he sent out a “Mayday” distress call, requesting immediate emergency support.

Although emergency teams responded swiftly, it was too late. The plane crashed into a five-story building—Ahmedabad Civil Hospital—just outside the airport boundary. The impact was so severe that the hospital’s walls shook, and doctors having lunch inside were caught unaware. Flames engulfed the building, turning the scene into chaos and tragedy.

Unimaginable Loss

Inside the plane, passengers had no chance to escape as fire and smoke quickly filled the cabin. Rescue teams found bodies charred beyond recognition, personal belongings scattered, and the few survivors in shock.

Among the victims was Dr. Koni Vyas from Rajasthan, who was traveling to London with her three children to join her husband and start a new life. The entire family perished in the crash. Another heartbreaking story was that of the Bakshi family, whose daughters had returned to India to celebrate their grandmother’s birthday—none survived.

Sakina Ben, traveling with her 18-month-old daughter after attending a family wedding, also lost her life. Gandhinagar’s Kuberbhai Khemchand and his wife, en route to visit their son in London, became victims as well.

The crash left hundreds of dreams shattered and families grieving. Of the 242 onboard, only two survived. The death toll could rise as more injured succumb to their wounds. The tragedy affected not only those on the plane but also people in nearby buildings and vehicles.

A Nation in Mourning

The crash sent shockwaves across India and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi offered condolences, as did leaders from Britain and other countries. Authorities have appealed to families for DNA samples to help identify the victims.

As investigations continue, questions remain about how such a catastrophic failure could occur despite rigorous pre-flight checks. The plane itself is now just ashes, and the pain of the families will linger for years to come.

This story is not meant to instill fear, but to remind us of the unpredictability and fragility of life. In just a moment, everything can change.