India opens probe into London-bound-plane crash
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The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, triggering a massive emergency response.
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The tail of the airplane is seen stuck in a building in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state on June 12, 2025. (AP)
India’s aviation minister announced Thursday that a formal investigation has been launched into the fatal crash of a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which killed at least 260 people.
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, triggering a massive emergency response.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down in the Meghani area of the city, erupting into a fireball that sent thick black smoke billowing across the skyline.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 individuals: 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew.
"Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB),"said Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu. He added that the probe would follow international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Rescue and investigation teams continued working through the early hours of Friday at the crash site, combing through debris and searching for the aircraft’s black box recorders, which are expected to shed light on the final moments before the crash.
According to Air India, the flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The crew included two pilots and ten cabin members. Police confirmed at least 260 fatalities, including 19 people on the ground, though one passenger, a Briton, is believed to have survived.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has formally offered support, and the US National Transportation Safety Board will also assist with the investigation on site.
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it was prepared to support Air India and is currently "working to gather more information" about the crash.
India's government also announced the formation of a high-level committee made up of experts from various fields. According to Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the committee will review the incident thoroughly and focus on enhancing aviation safety to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
DGCA, Boeing to investigate cause of Air India AI171 crash
The DGCA is expected to launch a formal investigation into the AI171 crash. A technical team from Boeing may also be involved to assist with the inquiry, though official details have yet to be confirmed. No definitive cause has been released at this stage.
In its initial statement, Air India said, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a formal note: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
