The Luckiest Woman in the World: Bhoomi Chauhan’s Narrow Escape from the Air India AI171 Tragedy

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck Ahmedabad as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history. Among the victims were passengers and crew members from multiple countries, including India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada. The crash not only claimed the lives of those on board but also devastated the ground beneath, hitting a densely populated area near a medical college and causing numerous casualties.

Yet, amid the heartbreaking loss and chaos, one story of fate and fortune emerged — that of Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old woman from Bharuch, Gujarat, who narrowly missed the flight by mere minutes. Due to heavy traffic on the way to Ahmedabad airport, Bhoomi arrived approximately 10 minutes late, missing the flight by the slimmest margin. What initially seemed like a frustrating inconvenience soon revealed itself as a miraculous salvation.

As Bhoomi recounted, she had left her home early to catch her scheduled flight to London. However, a massive traffic jam near Ahmedabad delayed her arrival. When she reached the airport, the check-in counters had already closed, and despite her desperate pleas, she was not allowed to board. Filled with regret and disappointment, she left the airport, unaware that her delay had spared her from being aboard the doomed flight.

Moments after the plane took off at 13:38 IST, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude. Flight data later revealed possible issues with the landing gear and flap configuration, preventing the plane from gaining lift. Seconds into its ascent, the Dreamliner crashed into the hostel building of the B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, igniting a massive fire and destroying several structures. The aftermath was catastrophic.

Of the 242 people on board — including 230 passengers and 12 crew members — 241 lost their lives. Only one person survived the crash: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian origin seated near an emergency exit. The crash also killed at least 28 people on the ground and injured dozens more, including medical students having lunch at the time of impact. The total death toll is estimated to be around 265 to 290 when combining onboard and ground casualties.

The devastation sent shockwaves across India and the world. Emergency responders, including the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and the National Disaster Response Force, rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, extinguish fires, and recover bodies. Local hospitals, overwhelmed with casualties, sprang into action. Government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, personally oversaw response efforts and comforted the injured and bereaved.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Ramesh, described the horror in vivid detail — the sudden descent, the explosion, and the people around him perishing. He was severely injured but managed to crawl to safety, later receiving medical care in Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, Bhoomi Chauhan struggled to come to terms with her narrow escape. The realization that a mere 10-minute delay had saved her life overwhelmed her with a mix of grief for the victims and gratitude for her survival. She expressed deep faith that divine intervention had spared her.

Authorities immediately launched a full investigation into the crash. The flight recorders were recovered, and a multinational team including Indian, British, and American experts began analyzing the data. Initial theories pointed to mechanical issues related to the aircraft’s flaps and landing gear, with other possibilities including crew error or environmental factors under the scorching Ahmedabad heat. Air India was ordered to carry out rigorous inspections on its Boeing 787 fleet.

The tragedy also triggered a profound outpouring of grief throughout Ahmedabad and beyond. Vigils and memorials were held across religious communities. The B.J. Medical College planned tributes to honor the students and staff who perished. Mental health support was mobilized for survivors, responders, and the families of the deceased.

Bhoomi’s story became a symbol of hope amidst devastation, a reminder of how fragile and precious life is, and how fate can pivot on the smallest of moments. Her survival stands testament to the unpredictable twists of destiny — where a missed flight became a miracle of survival.

As investigations continue and the city mourns, the memory of those lost on Flight AI171 endures, urging the aviation industry and humanity at large to strive for safety, compassion, and vigilance. Meanwhile, Bhoomi and Vishwash carry forward lives forever marked by this catastrophic day — survivors whose stories inspire reflection on the power of timing, faith, and fortune.