Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Published: June 12, 2025
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.
The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.
As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support.
Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.
Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”
He added:
“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”
The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.
Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”
Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.
Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.
The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.