A heartbreaking aviation tragedy struck India today, June 12, 2025. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London-Gatwick with 242 people on board (230 passengers, 12 crew), crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Footage shows moments before Air India crash:
The aircraft impacted a residential area near the B. J. Medical College building. Reports indicate that there are no survivors from the flight, and there are concerns of casualties on the ground. Images from the scene show burning wreckage and thick smoke.
The cause of this devastating accident remains unknown. While investigations are underway, it’s crucial to remember that any discussion of the reasons at this stage is purely speculative. The weather conditions at the time were reportedly clear and stable. This marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
At this incredibly difficult time, all of my thoughts are with the victims of this horrific crash and their grieving families and loved ones. My deepest condolences to everyone affected by this profound loss.
UPDATE: June 13, 2025
New information has emerged regarding the tragic Air India crash.
- Casualties and Survivor: While initial reports feared no survivors from the flight, it has now been confirmed that one passenger, a British national of Indian origin, miraculously survived the crash and is receiving medical treatment. Tragically, the death toll for those on board remains at 241 (all 12 crew members and 229 passengers).
- Ground Casualties: Sadly, it has also been confirmed that at least five medical students at the B. J. Medical College hostel were killed when the plane hit their building. There are fears that more individuals might be buried in the debris.
- Investigation Underway: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal probe into the incident, following international protocols. The government is constituting a high-level committee of experts.
- “Mayday” Call: It has been revealed that the aircraft issued a “Mayday” call, signaling an emergency, but subsequently did not respond to air traffic control.
- PM’s Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the crash site and met with those injured in the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, including the lone survivor.
- Potential Fleet Grounding: Sources indicate that the Indian government is considering temporarily grounding the Boeing 787-8 fleet for a safety review following this unprecedented crash.
UPDATE: June 14, 2025
- Increased Casualties: The official death toll has tragically climbed to at least 274 individuals. This includes the 241 fatalities on board (229 passengers, 12 crew members) and now a confirmed 33 deaths on the ground. Most of those killed on the ground were residents or students in the BJ Medical College complex.
- Victim Identification: Most of the recovered bodies are burned or mutilated beyond recognition. Authorities are working intensively on identification through DNA samples from relatives, a process that could take up to 72 hours. So far, only a very few victims have been identified and handed over to their families.
- Black Box Recovery: The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), commonly known as the “Black Box,” was recovered yesterday (June 13) from a rooftop near the crash site. It is expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight.
- Flight Path and Crash Cause: The civil aviation authority has stated that the aircraft reached an altitude of only about 650 feet (approx. 200 meters) before it began to lose altitude and crashed one minute after takeoff. Experts are examining potential causes such as dual engine failure, flap malfunction, or bird strike.
- Compensation Payments: The Tata Group, owner of Air India, has announced that the compensation of 1 Crore Rupees (approx. €110,000) originally designated for passengers on board will also be extended to the families of those killed on the ground. They have also pledged support for the rebuilding of the damaged student hostel at BJ Medical College.
- Boeing 787 Fleet Review: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has ordered enhanced surveillance and technical inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft in the Indian fleet. Eight of the 34 Dreamliners have already been inspected, with the remaining to follow immediately.
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the grief of the affected families is immense. Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are proceeding at full speed to bring clarity to this tragic situation.
