The aftermath of the Air India flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad is marked by profound grief and a desperate wait for families seeking closure. With 241 lives lost, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, the process of identifying the victims is proving to be agonizingly slow, compounding the pain for grieving relatives. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick plummeted into a medical college hostel, igniting a massive fire.
The sole survivor, a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously escaped with minor injuries, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread devastation. He recounted a loud noise just 30 seconds after takeoff, followed by the immediate crash. Seated in 11A, he managed to escape through an emergency exit.
Authorities are working diligently to identify the bodies, but the process is challenging due to the extent of the damage caused by the crash and subsequent fire. DNA samples from family members are being collected to aid in the identification efforts. Several families have already provided DNA samples to help identify their loved ones. Local media outlets have begun publishing passenger lists, adding to the anxiety and anticipation.
The Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the situation and meet with the injured. He also met Vishwaskumar Ramesh, the lone survivor, at the Civil Hospital. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us," Modi said, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
The international community has also offered support, with many countries expressing their condolences and offering assistance. US President Donald Trump described the crash as "terrible and horrific" and offered support to India. Downing Street has warned the public to prepare for a "significant loss of British lives."
Amidst the chaos and sorrow, stories of the victims have begun to emerge. Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, a family from Gloucester, were among those who perished. A statement from the Gloucester Muslim Society conveyed their "most sincere and deepest condolences," remembering Sara as a "ray of sunshine" who "lit up the classroom". Adam and Hasina Taju, along with their son-in-law Altafhusen Patel, were also among the victims. Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, a married British couple who ran a spiritual wellness center in London, were also on the flight. Rachna and Rozar Christian, an Indian couple who had lived in Auckland for five years before moving to London, were also identified as victims.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and providing them with the closure they desperately need. The wait for identification is an excruciating ordeal, prolonging the pain and uncertainty for those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event.
