Six months after the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, families of the victims continue to grapple with the immense fallout of the tragedy. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board, including all 12 crew members, and causing 19 fatalities and 67 injuries on the ground.
The aftermath has been a period of intense grief, coupled with a complex investigation and lingering questions surrounding the cause of the crash. The preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicated a loss of thrust in both engines due to their fuel supply being cut off just seconds after liftoff. However, the reason for this fuel cutoff remains undetermined, fueling speculation and adding to the distress of the grieving families.
Adding to the families' frustration is the ongoing investigation, which has reportedly been complicated by mutual suspicion between the US and Indian parties involved. Some reports suggest the possibility of a cover-up, further intensifying the families' search for answers and closure.
The crash site, located near a medical college, became a scene of unimaginable devastation. The intensity of the post-crash fires, reaching estimated temperatures of 1,500 °C (2,700 °F), greatly complicated victim identification. While the remains of all 260 victims were eventually identified, primarily through DNA analysis, the process was undoubtedly agonizing for the families.
The tragedy has also had a broader impact on the community in Ahmedabad. The B. J. Medical College suffered severe damage, disrupting the lives of students and staff. The crash is the deadliest of the 2020s.
Beyond the immediate grief and physical devastation, the crash has raised serious questions about aviation safety and aircraft maintenance. The fact that the same aircraft was grounded just six months prior to the crash due to a "major technical snag" has fueled concerns about potential lapses in safety procedures.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left to navigate their grief and seek answers. For many, the memories of final moments with their loved ones – a lullaby, a video call, a mother flying alone for the first time – are now tinged with the pain of loss. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the families are united in their determination to find justice and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
