The families of the victims of the Air India Flight AI171 crash are grappling with immense grief and a desperate need for answers following the tragic event on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 people onboard. One passenger miraculously survived the crash. The accident has plunged numerous families into mourning and triggered a flurry of activity to identify the deceased and investigate the cause of the disaster.
As families gathered outside Ahmedabad hospitals, the agonizing wait to collect the remains of their loved ones was compounded by frustration and anger. Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, who lost four relatives in the crash, voiced the shared sentiment of many, stating he was not receiving adequate information from authorities. The excruciating process of DNA profiling, necessitated by the badly charred state of most bodies, has further extended the waiting period, testing the limits of families' patience.
In response to the tragedy, the Gujarat government confirmed that 11 victims have been identified through DNA testing and that the process of releasing remains to families is underway. The state government formed 230 teams to contact families, including those of 11 foreign nationals, and expedite the handover of remains. Death certificates are being issued promptly to alleviate any additional burden on the bereaved families. Each body will be escorted to its native place in an ambulance with police protection, and grief counselors are being provided to help families cope with the trauma.
Adding to the distress, the accident has cast a shadow on Air India, which has been striving to rebuild its reputation since being taken over by the Tata Group in 2022. The Tata Group's chairman expressed a commitment to understanding the cause of the crash.
Amid the grief and uncertainty, authorities have taken steps to investigate the crash and provide support to the affected families. India's civil aviation minister announced the recovery of the flight data recorder, or "black box," which is expected to significantly aid the inquiry into the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from teams from the US and UK, while Boeing has also offered its support.
Air India has announced an interim payment of 2.5 million rupees (£21,000) to the families of the deceased and the survivor, in addition to the 10 million rupees (£85,000) in support previously announced by the Tata Group. This financial assistance aims to address the immediate needs of the affected families during this difficult time. The airline has also deployed over 200 "trained caregivers" to offer dedicated assistance, counselling, and other services to the families.
The disaster has prompted immediate safety reviews. India has ordered safety checks for all Boeing 787s operated by local carriers. The aviation regulator has directed Air India to conduct additional maintenance checks on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines, including assessments of takeoff parameters, electronic engine control tests, and engine fuel-related checks.
As the investigation progresses, families of the Air India crash victims continue to seek answers and closure. The identification and repatriation of remains, coupled with a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, are critical steps in providing solace and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, remains hospitalized, grappling with the trauma of the event.
