Investigators searching for additional remains following Air India disaster causing over 240 fatalities
In the wake of an appalling incident, authorities are in the final stages of recovering all bodies following the crash of an Air India passenger jet near Ahmedabad, India. Over 200 souls lost their lives, as per the revelation of the Indian Home Minister, Amit Shah.
The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, was en route to London when it plummeted just minutes after taking off on June 12, 2025. The only exception was a British national of Indian descent, who, though miraculously survived, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Officials affirmed that DNA tests are underway for the victims and samples have been collected from their families. The lone survivor was reportedly met by Shah, but further details regarding his condition remain concealed.
The plane carried a staggering quantity of fuel, and given the extreme heat, rescue efforts were doomed from the start.
Tracing the cause of the crash is still a mystery, and it is probable that casualties will also include individuals hurt or killed due to the plane, or its debris, slamming into a cafeteria within a hostel for medical students at the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad.
As per a hospital official, 50 medical students were admitted to the hospital, with at least four missing and two in critical condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board, along with Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch, is dispatching investigators to examine the crash site. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has vowed support and aid in the probing process.
In a terse statement, President Trump deemed the tragedy "horrific" and confirmed US preparedness to extend assistance when called upon.
Air India Flight 171 was destined for London's Gatwick Airport. The flight accounted for 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese. Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, a former chief minister of India's Gujarat state.
The crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the maiden incident of its kind, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The jet issued a Mayday distress call before hitting the ground. Introduced in 2009, over 1,000 of these aircraft operate globally, as revealed by Boeing.
Regrettably, Boeing's reputation has been marred by a series of unfortunate events, including two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max 8 - one in 2019 and another in October 2018. The eruption of such misfortunes could not have come at a worse time, as Boeing was soon to showcase its prowess at the upcoming Paris Air Show.
- The Indian government and the Home Minister, Amit Shah, are deeply involved in the politics surrounding the crash of Air India Flight 171, with Shah personally meeting the lone survivor.
- The general-news channels are filled with reports about the tragic accident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including the details of the fatal incident near Ahmedabad, India, and the lives lost.
- In the realm of technology and transportation, investigations are underway to understand the cause of the Air India Flight 171 crash, with teams from the National Transportation Safety Board and Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch at the crash site.
- Crime-and-justice departments are also involved, as investigations continue into additional casualties caused by the plane or its debris, such as the incident at the BJ Medical College cafeteria.
- As the news of the Air India Flight 171 crash spreads globally, Boeing is facing further scrutiny due to its involvement in the crash, which marks a troubling chapter in the company's history after previous incidents involving the 737 Max 8 model.
