Authorities Continue Surveying for More Bodies After Air India Crash

Key Takeaways

• Air India Flight AI171 crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing at least 270 people.
• Only one passenger survived; DNA testing is used to identify victims amid delays and frustration.
• Indian AAIB leads investigation with UK and US assistance; black boxes provide critical data.

The Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: What Happened, Who Was Affected, and What Comes Next

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck near Ahmedabad, India 🇮🇳, when Air India Flight AI171 crashed just minutes after takeoff, killing at least 270 people. This disaster has left families across several countries grieving, sparked a major international investigation, and raised urgent questions about aviation safety and emergency response. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, who was affected, and what the next steps are for victims’ families, authorities, and the aviation industry.

What Happened: The Crash and Immediate Aftermath

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The plane took off at 1:38 p.m. local time with 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Just minutes after departure, the captain issued a “Mayday” distress call, signaling a life-threatening emergency. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex, about 2 kilometers from the airport.

The crash caused a massive fire, fueled by 125,000 liters of jet fuel. The flames and debris destroyed much of the hostel, killing at least 29 people on the ground—mostly medical students and staff. Over 50 others were hospitalized, some with critical injuries.

Key facts:
– Date of crash: June 12, 2025
– Location: Ahmedabad, India 🇮🇳
– Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
– Flight number: AI171
– Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
– Occupants: 230 passengers, 12 crew
– Death toll: At least 270 (241 on board, 29 on ground)
– Survivors: 1 passenger

The Human Toll: Victims and Survivor

The crash’s death toll stands at at least 270, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian history. Among those lost were people from several countries:
– 169 Indian nationals
– 53 British nationals
– 7 Portuguese nationals
– 1 Canadian national

On the ground, the loss was also severe, with at least 29 people killed in the hostel and more than 50 injured.

The sole survivor is Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin. He was seated in 11A and managed to escape after the plane came to rest. He is currently recovering in hospital and has shared that he survived by quickly unbuckling his seatbelt and moving toward an exit as soon as the plane stopped.

Recovery Efforts: Searching for Victims and Identifying Remains

Authorities have been working around the clock to recover bodies from the crash site. The fire and impact left many remains badly burned or fragmented, making identification difficult. Most bodies have now been recovered, but the process of confirming identities is ongoing.

DNA profiling is being used to identify victims. Hundreds of relatives have provided DNA samples at designated hospitals. Normally, DNA identification can take up to 72 hours, but officials are trying to speed up the process. Still, delays have caused frustration and heartbreak for many families waiting for news.

Key steps for families:
– Provide DNA samples at designated hospitals
– Stay in contact with authorities for updates
– Foreign nationals’ families should contact their embassies or the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at +44 20 7008 5000

The Investigation: Black Boxes and International Cooperation

Both black boxes—the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder—have been recovered from the wreckage. One was damaged but is considered recoverable. These devices are crucial because they record what happened in the cockpit and how the plane was functioning in the moments before the crash.

The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with help from the U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Teams from the U.K. and U.S. have arrived in India to assist with technical analysis.

What the black boxes can reveal:
– The exact sequence of events leading up to the crash
– Any mechanical or technical failures
– The pilots’ actions and communications
– Possible causes, such as engine problems, loss of control, or other emergencies

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the black boxes are expected to provide the most important clues about why the crash happened. The investigation team will release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, but a full report could take several months.

Maintenance and Safety: Was the Plane Safe?

The crashed aircraft had passed a comprehensive maintenance check in June 2023 and was not due for its next major check until December 2025. The right-side engine had been overhauled as recently as March 2025. These facts suggest that the plane was not overdue for maintenance, and experts say this reduces the chance that a maintenance problem caused the crash.

Aviation experts have noted that the plane lost altitude very quickly after takeoff, reaching only 625 feet before descending steeply. The cause of this rapid loss of altitude is still unknown and will be a main focus of the investigation.

Official Responses: Government and Airline Actions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.” Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu are overseeing the response and investigation. Shah confirmed that DNA testing is being used for identification and explained that the intense fire made rescue impossible.

Air India is working closely with authorities and providing support to victims’ families. The airline’s chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, is in direct contact with Boeing and government officials. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and support for Air India.

International authorities are also involved. The British FCDO has set up a helpline for affected families, and the U.K. and U.S. are providing technical expertise for the investigation.

Support for Families: What Help Is Available?

Families of victims are facing a difficult time, with many expressing frustration over delays in identification and a lack of communication from authorities. Here’s what support is available:

• DNA identification: Families must provide samples at designated hospitals. The process is being expedited, but some delays are unavoidable due to the condition of the remains.
• Consular assistance: Foreign nationals’ families should contact their embassies or the FCDO for help with identification, travel, and other needs.
• Compensation: Air India and government agencies are expected to announce compensation packages for victims’ families soon. Details are still being finalized.
• Information: The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation provides updates and resources on its official website.

Airport and Emergency Response

After the crash, Ahmedabad airport was closed to all flights. It reopened for limited operations after safety checks and cleanup were completed. The Indian government has formed a high-level committee to review emergency procedures and recommend improvements for future aviation safety.

This committee will look at:
– How emergency services responded to the crash
– Whether airport safety protocols were followed
– What changes can be made to prevent similar disasters

The Investigation Process: What Happens Next?

The AAIB, with help from the U.K. and U.S., will analyze the black boxes and other evidence from the crash site. Investigators will look at:
– The plane’s maintenance records
– The pilots’ training and experience
– Weather conditions at the time of the crash
– Air traffic control communications

A preliminary report is expected within weeks, but a full investigation could take months. The findings may lead to changes in aviation rules, safety checks, and emergency procedures.

Policy and Safety Implications

The Indian government’s high-level committee will likely recommend changes to improve aviation safety. Possible areas for improvement include:
– Faster and clearer communication with families after disasters
– Better training for emergency responders
– Stricter checks on aircraft maintenance and operations
– Improved airport safety protocols

These changes could help prevent future tragedies and make air travel safer for everyone.

Practical Guidance for Affected Families

If you are a family member of a victim, here’s what you should do:
1. Provide DNA samples at the designated hospital if you have not already done so.
2. Contact your embassy or the FCDO (for British nationals) for help with identification, travel, and other needs.
3. Stay informed by checking the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website for updates.
4. Wait for compensation details from Air India and government agencies, which will be announced soon.
5. Seek counseling or support services if you need help coping with grief or trauma.

International Impact: How Other Countries Are Responding

Because the crash involved citizens from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Portugal 🇵🇹, and Canada 🇨🇦, their governments are also involved in supporting families and helping with the investigation. The British FCDO has set up a helpline, and consular staff are assisting families with travel and identification.

International investigators from the U.K. and U.S. are working alongside Indian authorities to analyze the black boxes and other evidence. This cooperation is important for ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.

The Role of Black Boxes in Air Crash Investigations

Black boxes are actually two separate devices:
– Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Records technical details about the flight, such as speed, altitude, and engine performance.
– Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Records conversations and sounds in the cockpit.

These devices are built to survive crashes and fires. Even if damaged, experts can often recover the data. The information from the black boxes will help investigators understand exactly what happened in the final moments before the crash.

The Importance of Maintenance Records

In this case, the Air India aircraft had a recent maintenance history:
– Last comprehensive check: June 2023
– Next major check due: December 2025
– Right engine overhauled: March 2025

These records are important because they show the plane was not overdue for maintenance. Investigators will review all maintenance logs to see if any problems were missed or if any repairs were not done properly.

Stakeholder Concerns and Frustrations

Families of victims have voiced concerns about:
– Delays in body identification due to the need for DNA testing
– Lack of timely updates from authorities
– Uncertainty about compensation and support

Authorities have promised to speed up the identification process and improve communication. The high-level committee will also look at how to better support families in future disasters.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

• Preliminary investigation report: Expected within weeks, with early findings about the cause of the crash.
• Full investigation report: May take several months, with detailed analysis and recommendations.
• Compensation packages: Air India and government agencies will announce details soon.
• Policy changes: The high-level committee may recommend new rules for aviation safety and emergency response.

Where to Find Official Information

• Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation: Official website for updates and resources
• British FCDO helpline: +44 20 7008 5000 for British nationals
• Air India: Official website and helpline for affected families

Summary Table: Key Facts

Final Thoughts

The Air India crash in Ahmedabad is a heartbreaking tragedy that has affected families across the world. Recovery and identification efforts are ongoing, with international cooperation in the investigation. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but the black boxes are expected to provide critical answers. Families are being supported through DNA identification and consular assistance, though some have expressed frustration over delays. Policy reviews and changes are likely as authorities work to prevent future tragedies.

For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the investigation’s findings will shape aviation safety rules and emergency response procedures for years to come.

Learn Today

Black Boxes → Devices recording flight data and cockpit audio, crucial for investigating causes of air crashes.
DNA Profiling → Scientific method using genetic samples to identify victims when physical identification is impossible.
AAIB → Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, agency leading air crash investigations in India.
Cockpit Voice Recorder → Records pilot conversations and sounds in the cockpit before and during a flight incident.
Flight Data Recorder → Captures technical flight information like speed, altitude, and engine performance during a flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 crashed minutes after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 270 people and sparking a complex international investigation involving black box analysis and global cooperation to uncover the disaster’s cause and support victims’ families during urgent recovery efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com