Air India plane crash: Death toll climbs to 279 in Ahmedabad tragedy
High-level probe committee formed with three-month deadline
DUBAI: At least 279 people have died after an Air India Dreamliner jet crashed into a densely populated area near Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on Thursday.
The ill-fated Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, carried 242 passengers and crew. According to police sources cited by AFP, only one person on board survived the crash, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the decade. Another 38 fatalities were reported on the ground after the aircraft slammed into a medical college hostel, igniting a massive fire.
Air India plane crash
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as the Boeing 787-8 spiralled down just moments after takeoff, sending smoke and flames into the sky. The plane's tail section remained lodged in the building's upper floors while the nose crashed into a nearby canteen. Local residents and students from BJ Medical College rushed to help survivors before emergency teams arrived.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, confirmed a high-level committee has been established to investigate the cause of the crash. The investigation panel, led by the Union Home Secretary, includes officials from civil aviation, the Indian Air Force, and other security agencies.
Investigation continues
On Friday, forensic teams recovered the aircraft’s black box from a nearby rooftop. The search continues for the second flight recorder, vital to determining the final moments before the crash. Investigators are also examining a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) retrieved from the wreckage, which may contain crucial onboard footage.
DNA testing is underway to identify many of the severely charred remains, with grieving families anxiously awaiting confirmation. The process could take up to 72 hours. Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are also involved in the technical evaluation of the crash evidence.
Wider impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community. BJ Medical College cancelled all internal MBBS exams and suspended faculty leave to assist the injured. At least 50 medical students were taken to hospital, with others vacating hostels in shock. Over 40 students are being monitored for psychological trauma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the sole survivor and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He also paid tribute to former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who perished in the crash.
વિજયભાઈ રૂપાણીના પરિવારજનોને મળી સાંત્વના પાઠવી. વિજયભાઈ આપણી વચ્ચે નથી એ વાત મન માનવા તૈયાર નથી. વર્ષોથી મારે તેમની સાથે નાતો રહ્યો છે. કંઈ કેટલાય પડકારજનક સમયમાં અમે ખભે ખભા મિલાવીને કામ કર્યું છે. સરળ અને સાલસ સ્વભાવના વિજયભાઈ ખૂબ મહેનતુ હતા તથા પક્ષની વિચારધારા પ્રત્યે… pic.twitter.com/Yewze1sWjY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
Air India and Boeing reactions
Air India released details of the passengers, which included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran called it one of the "darkest days" in the company’s history.
Message from Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India. pic.twitter.com/vw3osNwukH
— Air India (@airindia) June 13, 2025
In response to the crash, all Air India Dreamliners will undergo enhanced safety inspections beginning 15 June. The checks will focus on multiple critical systems, including fuel lines and electronic engine controls. The DGCA has ordered an urgent review of recent technical faults reported on Dreamliner flights.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has cancelled his planned appearance at the upcoming Paris Air Show to focus on the investigation. The company has pledged full technical support and cooperation with Indian and international authorities.
As the recovery continues and families grieve, officials warn that the official casualty figure may rise as more remains are identified. The final report from the investigation committee is expected within three months.