June 12, 2025, will always be remembered as one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad for London’s Gatwick Airport. Within just 18 minutes of take-off, the aircraft tragically crashed into a hostel building in Meghaninagar, killing over 240 people, including passengers, crew members, and civilians on the ground.
🧑✈️ Clive Kunder – Co-Pilot And Vikrant Massey’s Family Friend
Among the many souls lost in this horrific crash was Clive Kunder, the co-pilot of the doomed flight. Popular actor Vikrant Massey took to his Instagram stories and revealed that Clive was a close family friend and the son of his uncle, Clifford Kunder. In a heartfelt tribute, Vikrant wrote:
“My heart breaks for the families & loved ones of the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today.
It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder…
May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and all deeply affected.”
Clive had over 1,100 hours of flying experience and was serving as the First Officer, assisting Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 flying hours under his belt. Both were highly trained professionals, but unfortunately, fate had something else planned.
🕊️ Former Gujarat CM Also Among the Victims
The crash also claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly flying to meet his family in London. His final photo from inside the flight surfaced online shortly before the crash. Gujarat BJP President CR Patil confirmed his death and called it a “huge loss to the party and the state.”
🙏 Only One Survivor: A Miracle in Seat 11A
Amidst the devastation, there was one miracle. A British-Indian man named Ramesh Vishvaskumar, seated in seat 11A near the emergency exit, survived the crash. He was found with injuries and is currently being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. His survival is being described as nothing short of a miracle, considering the scale of destruction.
🏥 Crash Site Horror: Medical Students Among the Casualties
The aircraft crashed into the hostel building of BJ Medical College, where several students were having lunch in their mess. At least five students died, and more than 40 others were injured. Doctors and rescue teams are still working tirelessly to treat survivors and manage the situation.
📉 What Went Wrong?
The Air India flight took off at 12:00 PM and reportedly crashed at around 1:38 PM. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage suggest the plane was flying unusually low before it nosedived into the ground. The plane was fully fueled for its international route, which led to an even bigger explosion upon impact.
💐 Final Words
The nation mourns the loss of over 240 lives in this unimaginable tragedy. From celebrities like Vikrant Massey to common citizens, everyone is shaken. The aviation authorities have begun investigations, but no explanation can heal the pain of those who lost their loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clive Kunder’s family, Vikrant Massey, and all the families affected by this tragic Air India crash.