Air India Plane Crash: Families Seek Answers in Ahmedabad

Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people. Only one survivor, who jumped out a window, was rescued. The plane was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and a Canadian. Families of the victims arrived at hospitals in Ahmedabad, where DNA testing will be used to identify the dead. Investigators are piecing together evidence to determine the cause of the crash.

On June 12, 2025, a devastating tragedy struck when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, was involved in the incident, which claimed the lives of 241 people. Only one survivor, a 40-year-old passenger, was found alive and was rescued after jumping out of a window.

The wreckage was discovered in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, where rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover bodies and provide medical aid to the injured. The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has become the focal point for families trying to find their loved ones, with DNA testing being used to identify the victims.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Initial reports suggest that mechanical failure or technical problems may have contributed to the tragedy. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on the aircraft's condition, flight crew actions, and potential technical malfunctions. The black box, which records key flight data and cockpit communications, will play a crucial role in piecing together the events leading up to the crash.

The passengers on board included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The incident has affected numerous families and communities worldwide, with the loss of life raising significant questions about aviation safety measures and checks.

In response to the tragedy, Tata Group has pledged ₹1 Crore to the families of the deceased and is providing comprehensive medical support for the injured passengers. The company’s generous response aims to ease the suffering of those affected while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

The United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have extended their support to Indian authorities investigating the crash. The AAIB has offered assistance to India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB-India) and will participate in the probe with "expert status" under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, given that UK nationals were among the victims [2].

The investigation is ongoing, and the aviation world awaits the full findings. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of air travel, despite advanced technology and safety measures. Moving forward, the industry will need to continue its efforts to improve safety standards and prevent such disasters.

References:
[1] https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-india-flight-tragedy-claims-over-two-hundred-lives-only-one-survivor-found-till-now-tata-group-steps-forward-with-one-crore-rupees-and-full-support-for-injured-passengers/
[2] https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1283239