Live Updates on Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad: PM Modi Visits Air India Crash Site in Ahmedabad

PM Modi Visits Air India Crash Site in Ahmedabad

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the scene of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Upon arriving at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, he proceeded directly to the crash site in the Meghaninagar area, according to officials.

He was joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the visit.

Following his inspection of the site, the Prime Minister also visited the hospital to meet with the injured.

Black Box Recovered from Hostel Rooftop; Investigation Team at Scene

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed on Friday that the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), commonly referred to as the black box, was retrieved from the rooftop of a building at the Ahmedabad crash site, rather than from the debris shown in widely circulated videos.

In an official statement, the AAIB clarified, “Contrary to certain reports, the device seen in viral footage is not the DFDR. The actual black box was found on a rooftop and has been successfully recovered. Investigation efforts began promptly and with full intensity.”

Over 40 officials from the Gujarat state government have joined forces with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) teams at the site to support the ongoing probe into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which occurred on Thursday.

The Tata Group has announced financial assistance of ₹1 crore for the families of each individual who lost their life in the tragic plane crash.

In an official statement, the group said, “We will extend ₹1 crore in compensation to the families of all those who perished in this devastating incident. For the injured, we will cover all medical expenses and ensure they receive the care and support they need. Furthermore, we will contribute to the reconstruction of the B.J. Medical College hostel affected by the crash.”

NIA Team Inspects Air India AI171 Crash Site; Joined by Central Agencies in Probe

On Friday, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the crash site of Air India flight AI171, which tragically went down shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board. Officials stated that the NIA was accompanied by representatives from other central agencies during the inspection.

AAIB Launches Probe into Air India Tragedy; One of India's Deadliest Air Disasters in Recent History

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has initiated a formal probe into the incident. The bureau will categorize the event as a major aviation accident and will work to uncover the technical or operational factors that led to the tragedy.

This crash stands as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India in recent times.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Dies in Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Air India has confirmed that 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft lost their lives in the tragic crash of the Ahmedabad to London flight.

An Air India flight traveling from Ahmedabad to London, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon (June 12, 2025). Tragically, only one person survived, while the remaining 241 on board lost their lives. 

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed at 1:38 p.m. Just five minutes later, it crashed into the B.J. Medical College hostel mess, located about 5 km from the airport, where over 100 students were having lunch. A massive explosion followed, sending a towering plume of smoke into the sky, visible from a great distance.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilots of the ill-fated Air India flight reportedly issued a ‘Mayday’ distress signal, indicating a critical emergency. However, they failed to respond to any further communications from air traffic control.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after visiting the only survivor in the hospital, confirmed that no other passengers could be saved. “The massive explosion, intensified by 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel and extreme heat, made rescue impossible,” he stated.

The lone survivor was identified as Vishwaskumar Ramesh, who had been seated in A11 on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He was en route to London along with his brother.

Miraculously, 45-year-old British national Vishwas Kumar Ramesh was the sole survivor of the crash. He has since shared haunting details of the terrifying moments leading up to the aircraft's stall and its impact with the building.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST and issued a MAYDAY distress signal before losing contact with Air Traffic Control.

The victims included 168 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The flight, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential building shortly after takeoff.

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the crash, as tributes and condolences continue to pour in for those who lost their lives.