Air India Flight 171 crash survivors demand honesty and compensation one year later

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 struck the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground, and injuring many others. A year after the disaster, survivors describe lingering trauma. A canteen worker recalled being forced back into the wreckage, saying, “When we went there, my whole body froze.”

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor, called for “honesty, transparency and answers,” noting the psychological scars and financial hardship his family faces. He highlighted a preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau that found both fuel switches were moved to “cut‑off” immediately after take‑off, stopping engine fuel supply. Ramesh has received £21,500 from Air India but lives on less than £1,000 a month and is pursuing civil action against multiple parties. Families, including those from the UK, say they have received little direct support from the British government. Air India pledged continued assistance, while discussions with Tata Group representatives have yielded some progress but many issues remain unresolved.