Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: Black Box Of Crashed AI Plane Retrieved From Rooftop, AAIB Says
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: PM Modi visits the Air India plane crash site as NDRF teams continue rescue ops. Flight AI-171 crashed moments after takeoff, killing several. Stay tuned for live news.
ABP Live NewsLast Updated: 13 Jun 2025 10:49 PM
Background
In a tragic incident that has shaken the nation, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on...More
In a tragic incident that has shaken the nation, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, killing 241 people. The flight, operating as AI171, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one passenger survived, making it the deadliest air crash in India in recent memory.The disaster unfolded just moments after the plane took off at around 1:30 PM. Officials said the aircraft lost altitude rapidly before crashing into the residential quarters of doctors at BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar area. A fiery explosion followed, with plumes of thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. The pilot had issued a distress call—“Mayday”—indicating a full emergency, according to Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad.Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers killed. The crash has prompted widespread mourning and a nationwide outpouring of grief.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Ahmedabad today to visit the crash site and meet with officials and rescue workers. Expressing his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister 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.”Emergency services responded swiftly, with six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire engines, ambulances, and police deployed to the scene. Bodies were recovered from the debris, and several injured individuals were rushed to the nearby Civil Hospital.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: 'Found a space, escaped': Sole survivor's harrowing escape from Air India plane crash
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British businessman from Leicester and the sole survivor of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, says his astonishing escape was a combination of fortune and quick decision in identifying a crucial space amidst the wreckage and acting fast.
Talking to DD News a day after the air disaster, Ramesh, originally a native of coastal town of Diu adjoining Gujarat, said his seat, 11A, was close to an emergency door on the left side of the ill-fated plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The London-bound aircraft smashed into a hostel building, part of BJ Medical College complex, soon after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
"Luckily, the portion of the plane where I was seated fell on the ground floor of the hostel premises after the plane crash landed. When I saw that the door of the plane was broken, I told myself 'I can try and get out'. Eventually, I got out of the plane" Ramesh, a British citizen, maintained.
He is currently being treated at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him in the morning during his visit to the city.
"I believe that others could not escape because there was a wall on that side (of the hostel) while there was a small gap where I was sitting. I still can't believe how I survived the crash because I saw people dying in front of my eyes," he said.
A resident of Leicester, a city approximately 140 km north-northwest of London, Ramesh escaped with injuries for which he is undergoing treatment.
"Though I managed to escape, my left hand got burnt as the plane caught fire after the crash. I walked out of the aircraft and then an ambulance brought me to hospital. I am getting proper treatment here," he said.
In a viral video shot by a local resident immediately after the crash, Ramesh can be seen walking towards the ambulance after getting hurt in the crash.
"It all happened in front of my eyes. I cannot believe how I survived...For a brief moment, I felt I was about to die but when my eyes opened, I was alive. I unbuckled myself from the seat and exited from an opening," he recalled.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI 171), with 242 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, crashed into a medical college complex in Meghaninagar moments after taking off.
Ramesh survived the tragedy, while 241 others on board, including 169 Indians, 52 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, perished in the crash. Police have confirmed that at least 265 people, including those on the ground, were killed in the tragedy.
Four MBBS students and a doctor's wife were among those killed at the complex of BJ Medical College located outside the airport perimeter. (PTI)
‘Medical Teams Are Ready’: Gujarat Nursing Council Vice President Iqbal Kadiwala
Gujarat Nursing Council Vice President Iqbal Kadiwala said, "... The medical teams are ready. We are prepared to go to Ahmedabad as soon as we receive the orders... 600 nursing staff, 600-700 resident doctors and cleaning personnel are ready. If blood or Operation Theatre equipment is needed, we will bring that if required…”.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: British High Commissioner to India on meeting PM Modi
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, tells PTI, "We've offered consular support to the sole survivor, but my main message to everybody affected is please reach out and let us know how we can support you. British nationals should call the 24/7 hotline or visit the reception centre for families that we've set up. We're here to make sure you've got the support you need in this difficult time. Could you just elaborate on your meeting with Prime Minister Modi? What exactly have been a significant part of that? I was incredibly grateful to Prime Minister Modi for finding time in his packed schedule. I know in a situation he will find personally difficult to find time to meet. We exchange condolences... We have a team of expert aviation investigators already here in India ready to support the Indian investigation. Also, I think just to say again how heartwarming it was to see the way that everybody is working together in response to this."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: South Africa, Australia cricket teams observe moment of silence in honour of victims
The cricketing world, led by South Africa and Australia, stood together to observe a moment of silence in honour of the lives lost in the Ahmedabad tragedy: International Cricket Council
‘Tragedy One Of Biggest In Recent Times’: Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar said, "This tragedy is one of the biggest in recent times. We are all worried about the safety of all the passengers. The government of India will have to look at this issue very seriously. It is not a small concern... The image of the aviation industry, Indian Airlines, has become a huge discussion point in the entire country and the world. Let us see what the government of India comes out with..."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE: Black Box And Digital Flight Data Recorder Retrieved, AAIB Says
the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the black box of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft that crashed while operating as flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The analysis of the device is expected to provide crucial clues regarding the cause of the accident.
"Contrary to some reports, the video recorder being circulated is not the DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder). The black box was found on the rooftop. AAIB began work with full force immediately. Over 40 staff from the State Government joined efforts to augment MoCA teams on site. The DFDR has been recovered from the rooftop," AAIB stated, as per news agency ANI.
"DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder) itself is the black box," it further clarified.
Tata Group Head Natarajan Chandrasekaran Writes To His Colleagues On Ahmedabad Tragedy
Tata Group Head Natarajan Chandrasekaran writes to his colleagues, "What occurred yesterday was inexplicable, and we are in shock and mourning. To lose a single person we know is a tragedy, but for so many deaths to occur at once is incomprehensible. This is one of the darkest days in the Tata Group's history. Words are no consolation right now, but my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the people who died and were injured in the crash. We are here for them...You know that in the past 24 hours, investigative teams from India, UK, and the US have arrived in Ahmedabad to investigate the crash. They have our full cooperation, and we will be completely transparent about the findings. We owe it to the families and loved ones, to our pilots and crew, and to you...Once we have verified facts, we will be transparent in our communication about how this tragedy took place. As a Group trusted by so many, when we took over Air India, ensuring the safety of its passengers was our first and foremost priority. There was no compromising on it."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Claims Life Of Abhinav Parihar, Grandson Of Former MLA Kishanaram Nai
A young man originally from Bikaner tragically lost his life in the plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. Abhinav Parihar, who lived near the main post office in Bikaner, had been residing in London for the past year and had recently returned to India. Abhinav, a businessman, was the grandson of the late Kishanaram Nai, former MLA of Sri Dungargarh.
Contrary to some reports, the video recorder being circulated is not the DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder). The black box was found on the rooftop. AAIB began work with full force immediately. Over 40 staff from the State Government joined efforts to augment MoCA teams on site. The DFDR has been recovered from the rooftop: Ministry of Civil Aviation
Air India Crash: ‘I Escaped,’ Says Assistant Professor at BJ Medical College
Assistant Professor at BJ Medical College, Dr Piyush says, "... I escaped from the building and then jumped over the boundary wall in front. That's how I got a sprain. If I had waited for 15-20 seconds inside more, I would have died of suffocation or asphyxiation... Many people lived inside with their families...".
BJP National President JP Nadda Condoles Demise Of Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani
"...He was a true soldier of the BJP and a dutiful public servant. The demise of Rupani ji is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. His thoughts and work in the field of development and public service of Gujarat will always be remembered...," Nadda posted on X.
Private Schools Will Remain Close Tomorrow In Rajkot To Mourn Demise Of Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani
In Rajkot, private schools will remain closed tomorrow to mourn the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. School operators have announced a one-day academic shutdown as a tribute.
‘Felt Something Unusual With Plane’s Flaps’: Passenger Who Flew In Same Boeing From Delhi To Ahmedabad
"... I did not witness any issues when the flight took off. I felt something was unusual with the plane's flaps outside. Experts will be able to decode this better... The ACs were not working properly when the flight was on the ground before taking off... At cruising altitude, I noticed that the rear part of the flaps was moving up and down repeatedly. However, many aviation experts have pointed out that it is normal for the ACs to be off to give the plane a better thrust. I tried to complain about it, but the crew was in a rush because the flight was almost ready for take off... Even after the AC was switched on, its temperature kept fluctuating...Even when we got on the shuttle bus after the flight, many other passengers exclaimed that the bus's AC was working better than the flight’s,” Akash Vatsa, who claimed in a viral tweet yesterday that he flew in the same Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Delhi to Ahmedabad.
‘Felt Something Unusual With Plane’s Flaps’: Passenger Who Flew In Same Boeing From Delhi To Ahmedabad
"... I did not witness any issues when the flight took off. I felt something was unusual with the plane's flaps outside. Experts will be able to decode this better... The ACs were not working properly when the flight was on the ground before taking off... At cruising altitude, I noticed that the rear part of the flaps was moving up and down repeatedly. However, many aviation experts have pointed out that it is normal for the ACs to be off to give the plane a better thrust. I tried to complain about it, but the crew was in a rush because the flight was almost ready for take off... Even after the AC was switched on, its temperature kept fluctuating...Even when we got on the shuttle bus after the flight, many other passengers exclaimed that the bus's AC was working better than the flight’s,” Akash Vatsa, who claimed in a viral tweet yesterday that he flew in the same Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Delhi to Ahmedabad.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara Expresses Condolences
“It is unfortunate that the Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad. All the passengers and crew members on board died in this accident. The aircraft happened to hit the hostel of a medical college, and some of the students also lost their lives. It is a tragic incident in the history of Indian aviation. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims,” Parameshwara said.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: "Met Those Injured In The Aftermath," Posted PM Modi On X
PM Modi posted On X, "Met those injured in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, including the lone survivor and assured them that we are with them and their families in this tough time. The entire nation is praying for their speedy recovery."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: DVR Of Air India AI 171 Recovered
The DVR has been recovered from the wreckage of the crashed aircraft in Ahmedabad. An ATS officer found the device, which is expected to significantly accelerate the ongoing investigation into the plane crash. The data stored in the DVR could also help determine the exact cause of the tragedy
An ATS personnel says, "It's a DVR, which we have recovered from the debris. The FSL team will come here soon."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Chinese President Xi Jinping Extended On Friday Condolences To Indian Leaders
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday offered his condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the significant loss of lives in the Air India flight crash.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: "His Memories Will Always Stay With Us," Says Late Vijay Rupani's Neighbour
Former Gujarat CM and BJP leader Vijay Rupani's neighbour and family doctor, Dr Nayan Shah, says, "We have been neighbours for 35 years. His memories will always stay with us. Be it good or bad times, we stayed together...We used to celebrate all the festivals together..."
Ahmedabad Plance Crash: Bodies Of 6 Air India Plane Crash Victims anded over to relatives, say police.
According the police bodies of 6 people who died in the tragic crash of Air India Plane AI 171 in Ahmedabad was handed over to the relatives after matching the DNA samples.
"Couldn't Believe How I Was saved": Lone Survivor Of AI-171 Plane Crash Narrates How He Was Saved
Vishwash said, "The side where I was sitting wasn't on the hostel side, it was the ground floor of the hostel. I don't know about others, but the place I was sitting that portion landed on the ground floor, and there was some space. As soon as my door broke, I saw that there was some space, and then I tried to get out, and I got out. There was a building wall on the opposite side, and the plane had crashed completely on that side, so probably that is why nobody could get out from that side.
Ahmedabad Planne Crash: Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Thailand After Bomb Threat
An Air India flight en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi made an emergency landing on Friday following a bomb threat, according to airport authorities in Phuket, as reported by Reuters.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates: PM Modi Holds High-Level Review Meeting at Ahmedabad Airport Following Plane Crash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials at Ahmedabad airport in the wake of Thursday’s tragic plane crash. The visit comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to assess the situation on the ground and coordinate relief measures.
Air India Sets Up Help Centres at Major Airports for Families of Ahmedabad Crash Victims
Air India has established dedicated assistance centres at airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and London’s Gatwick to support the families and friends of those affected by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, the airline announced on Friday.
These centres are helping coordinate travel arrangements for relatives wishing to reach Ahmedabad. In addition, Air India has launched a 24/7 passenger support hotline to provide timely information and assistance.
For domestic callers, the helpline number is 1800 5691 444, while international callers can reach out at +91 80627 79200.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates: "The Scene Of Devastation Is Saddening," Says PM Modi After Visiting The Crash Site
PM Modi visited the Ahmedabad Plance Crash site and met the injured and the lone survivor of the crash. After his visit he posted on X and said, "Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy."
"We Are All Devastated By The Air Tragedy In Ahmedabad," Posted PM Modi On X
"We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti," PM Modi Posted On X.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: PM Modi Meets Ex-Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's Family
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the family of former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. He was 68.
"I was just 40 Seconds Away From The Place Where This Incident Happened," Says The Eyewitness
Ahmedabad Air Crash: Here's what an eyewitness says, “I was just 40 seconds away from the place where this incident happened. I rushed to help and called my friends for help. I pulled out bodies of the students from the debris, some of them were my friends. Those students were having lunch. We pulled out the cylinders to avoid further blast. We tried using fire extinguishers, but it wasn’t working properly. It was a fearful sight.”
Air India Issues Travel Advisory Amid Iran Airspace Closure; Flights Diverted or Recalled
Due to the escalating situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India has issued a travel advisory prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew.
As a precautionary measure, certain Air India flights that were scheduled to operate over Iranian airspace are being diverted mid-route or returning to their point of origin. The airline is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with relevant authorities to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.
"Cannot Give Any Numbers Until Site Is Completely Cleared": NDRF official Hariom Gandhi On Ahmedabad plane crash
Speaking to reporters at the site, NDRF official Hariom Gandhi said, "Our team is on standby and working. Our six teams are working on the ground. Wait for some time... We cannot give any numbers until the site is completely cleared." A total of 241 people onboard the Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, including 12 crew members, have died in the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India confirmed post-midnight on Friday. "The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform you that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital, Air India posted on X.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: PM Modi Reaches Airport To Take Take Stock Of Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Ahmedabad airport to take stock of situation day after fatal plane crash claimed the lives of 241 people onboard Air India AI171 aircraft.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Mukesh Ambani Expresses Grief, Pledges Full Support to Relief Efforts
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives. In a heartfelt statement, he said:
"Nita and I, along with the entire Reliance family, are deeply pained and anguished by the grave loss of life caused by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident. In this hour of grief, Reliance extends its full and unwavering support to the ongoing relief efforts and stands ready to assist in every possible way. We pray that all those impacted find the strength and solace to cope with their unimaginable loss."