HIGHLIGHTS | Gujarat plane crash: Air India confirms 241 fatalities, DNA sampling underway

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A large-scale DNA sampling drive is underway at Kasauti Bhawan in Ahmedabad, where FSL teams are working 24x7 to identify victims of the Air India plane crash.

⁠Officials say this is likely the first aviation disaster in India to require DNA testing on such a scale before handing over mortal remains to next of kin (NOK).

⁠DNA test results are expected within 72 hours.

In the wake of the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171, the Indian government has announced a formal investigation and the formation of a high-level expert committee to examine the causes behind the tragedy. The flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on Wednesday.

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Air India confirmed 241 fatalities and one sole survivor, who is being treated in the hospital.

“We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India said in a statement on X.

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Rescue operation completed at the Air India flight crash site in Ahmedabad.

According to PTI, 265 bodies were brought to the civil hospital, said a police official.

US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad and offered support to India. “It’s a big country, a strong country. They’ll handle it, I’m sure. I let them know, anything we can do, we’ll be over there immediately,” Trump said, adding that the United States is ready to extend all possible assistance.

The Airports Authority of India has recovered the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171‘s black box, a crucial device that records flight data and cockpit conversations. 

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced a formal investigation into the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 200 lives. The probe will be led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and conducted in accordance with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

To facilitate immediate travel for concerned families, Air India announced it’s organising two special relief flights each from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad and back. The schedule is as follows:

From Delhi:

• IX1555 – Delhi to Ahmedabad
  Departure: 11:00 PM, 12 June
• IX1556 – Ahmedabad to Delhi
  Departure: 1:10 AM, 13 June

From Mumbai:

• AI1402—Mumbai to Ahmedabad
  Departure: 11:00 PM, 12 June
• AI1409 – Ahmedabad to Mumbai
  Departure: 1:15 AM, 13 June

The airline also announced a hotline for the next of kin of passengers and staff based in Delhi and Mumbai who wish to travel: 1800 5691 444

Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani killed in plane crash, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extend condolences

Part of the plane fell on top of the dining area of B.J Medical College, killing at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50.

That’s according to Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, a national body that represents resident doctors across the country.

“Some of the injured are critical. We are in close contact with our peers in the hospital who are on a lookout for more people feared buried in the debris,” he said.

Canadian PM Mark Carney on X said, "Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts, and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds..."

King Charles III of the United Kingdom issued a message. He said, "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time."

Indian Army teams comprising approximately 130 personnel have been deployed to assist civil administration in the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts following the crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad. The Indian Army’s response includes engineering teams with JCBs for debris clearance, medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics, Quick Action Teams (QATs), fire-fighting assets with fire extinguishers and water bowsers, and provost staff for site management. The Military Hospital has also been placed on standby: Indian Army

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced helpline numbers for assistance or information, kindly contact: (Delhi Control Room) 011-24610843, 9650391859 Operation Control Room (Ahmedabad) - 9974111327, 9650391859 for the AI171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. While the state government has made the control room operational in the State Emergency Operation Center. The phone number of this control room is 079-232-51900 and Mo. No. 9978405304 can be contacted by the concerned.

Along with this, Air India has made the dedicated number 1800 5691 444 publics for passengers related query and dedicated Mo.No. +91 9821414954 has been given for the media.

Also, the emergency number of Ahmedabad City Police 07925620359 has been provided for emergency services of Ahmedabad Police and necessary information related to this accident.

The hospital administration has announced two phone numbers to contact for information related to patient-oriented treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Trauma (Emergency) Center: 6357373831, 6357373841.

Britain's Foreign Minister David Lammy says the government is "working urgently with local authorities" to support those affected by a London-bound passenger plane that has crashed in India's western city of Ahmedabad. The plane was carrying 242 passengers, of which 53 are British. Lammy announces that the Foreign Office has established a crisis team in the British and Indian capitals to support those affected by the crash.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a post on X said, “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Ahmedabad Airport is now available for flight operations from 16:05 IST onwards. Flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care.

Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram of condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad Airport. I ask you to convey my sincere sympathy and support to the families of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this disaster, the Russian President's telegram says.

Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says , "The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment.  Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical - every life matters, every second counts.  Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground."

Droupadi Murmu, President of India in a statement on X said, “I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.”

President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen in a statement on X said, “Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X. He said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

King Charles is being kept updated about the India plane crash, says Buckingham Palace spokesperson

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also issued a statement on X relating to the Gujarat plane crash. He said, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

The building top on which the plane crashed is a doctor's hostel (residential area). Police said that they reached the spot in a few minutes and have cleared most of the area.

Meanwhile, all doctors leave and off have been cancelled in Ahmedabad civil hospital

Air India says, “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.  The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.  We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information...”

Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar in a post on X said, “Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families.”

As a result of Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice: SVPIA Spokesperson

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Air India, said, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick 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.”

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted."

“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel tweets, “I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation...”

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani on board Air India Flight AI 171 injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash. He also assured to provide Central government assistance, reports ANI