One Year After AI171: The Wreckage Is Gone, The Heartache Remains

A year after Air India Flight AI171 crashed into a hostel complex in Ahmedabad, visible reminders of the tragedy remain across the site.

The four Atulyam hostel buildings continue to stand vacant, with soot-stained walls, shattered windows and damaged concrete structures reflecting the scale of the disaster.

Blackened trees, scattered debris and overgrown vegetation serve as enduring reminders of the crash that shocked the nation.

On June 12, 2025, just 32 seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft crashed into a residential area, killing 260 people.

Among the victims were 19 people on the ground, while only one passenger survived the accident.

Even today, local residents continue to discover fragments of the aircraft.

Ashaben Parmar, a ragpicker who works in the area, regularly finds twisted pieces of metal during her daily rounds.

Nearby, preparations for memorial prayers honour victims such as Akash Sureshbhai Patani, a teenager who lost his life in the tragedy.

The immediate aftermath of the crash was marked by scenes of devastation.

Staff from the neighbouring ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health were among the first to respond, joining rescue efforts within minutes.

Around 150 institute employees assisted emergency teams, helping recover survivors and victims from the wreckage while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Local residents also played a crucial role in rescue operations.

Kishor Thakur, who lives near the crash site, helped guide emergency responders through access routes and assisted in evacuating trapped individuals.

Residents additionally removed gas cylinders from the damaged hostel area to prevent further explosions.

Many believe the death toll could have been significantly higher. Dozens of nearby families had moved out of the area weeks before the crash as part of a clearance drive.

The psychological impact of the disaster continues to affect residents.

According to local officials, many people struggled with anxiety for months after the incident. Even the sound of aircraft overhead triggered distress among residents.

Air India has announced interim compensation of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased victim. The Tata Group has also pledged ₹1 crore in ex gratia support.

The Gujarat government has also approved plans to demolish the damaged structures and rebuild the hostel complex. The project will cost about ₹103 crore and marks a significant step towards recovery and remembrance.

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