The city of Ahmedabad, India, is reeling from the aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in a devastating loss of life. As of June 14, 2025, the death toll has risen to 270, including passengers, crew, and residents on the ground.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, lost altitude just seconds after takeoff and crashed into a residential area in the Meghaninagar locality, striking a medical college hostel near BJ Medical College. The impact and subsequent fire caused widespread damage and fatalities. Among the victims were four MBBS students from B.J. Medical College, who were having lunch in the mess building when the tragedy struck.
Search and recovery teams have been working tirelessly at the crash site to retrieve bodies and wreckage. The process of identifying the victims has been challenging due to the severe charring and mutilation of the remains. Authorities are relying on DNA testing to match the bodies with their relatives. As of today, June 14, 2025, eleven victims have been identified through DNA testing, and the process of releasing the remains to their families has begun.
One passenger, identified as British national Viswash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the crash. He is currently under observation at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad and is reported to be in stable condition.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Indian government has launched a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The flight's digital flight data recorder, or black box, has been recovered from a rooftop near the crash site and is being decoded to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the accident.
Preliminary findings suggest that the pilot sent a 'Mayday' distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 1:39 pm, shortly after takeoff. Aviation Ministry officials stated that the aircraft reached a height of approximately 650 feet before it began to lose altitude. The last message from the pilot indicated a full emergency.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has announced a three-month deadline for the investigation to submit its report. The investigation will consider all possible factors, including engine thrust, flaps, and the aircraft's landing gear.
Air India has announced a compensation package of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger, in addition to the ₹25 lakh support already announced by Tata Sons. Emergency helpline numbers have been set up to assist families seeking information.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections for Air India's entire Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet as a precautionary measure to prevent similar incidents in the future. These inspections will include thorough checks of fuel, engine, and hydraulic systems.
The Air India crash has cast a shadow on the airline, which has been working to rebuild its reputation since its takeover by the Tata Group in 2022. The incident marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut in 2011.
The city of Ahmedabad is mourning the loss of life and is providing support to the affected families. Grief counselors are available to help families cope with the trauma. The tragedy has deeply affected the community, with many expressing their condolences and offering assistance to those in need. Markets in Rajkot were shut for half-day to mourn the death of Ex-CM Vijay Rupani in AI 171 crash.
