https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/12/air-india-flight-ai171-plane-crash-ahmedabad-india-latest-updates [p] Skip to main contentSkip to navigation Close dialogue1/9Next imagePrevious imageToggle caption Skip to key eventsSkip to navigation Print subscriptions Newsletters Sign in US[ ] * US edition * UK edition * Australia edition * Europe edition * International edition The Guardian - Back to homeThe Guardian [ ] * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle Show moreHide expanded menu * [ ]News + View all News + US news + US politics + World news + Climate crisis + Middle East + Ukraine + Soccer + Business + Environment + Tech + Science + Newsletters + Wellness * [ ]Opinion + View all Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Letters + Opinion videos + Cartoons * [ ]Sport + View all Sport + Soccer + NFL + Tennis + MLB + MLS + NBA + WNBA + NHL + F1 + Golf * [ ]Culture + View all Culture + Film + Books + Music + Art & design + TV & radio + Stage + Classical + Games * [ ]Lifestyle + View all Lifestyle + Wellness + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Home & garden + Health & fitness + Family + Travel + Money * Search input [ ] google-search Search + Support us + Print subscriptions + Newsletters + Download the app * + Search jobs + Digital Archive + Guardian Licensing + About Us + The Guardian app + Video + Podcasts + Pictures + Inside the Guardian + Guardian Weekly + Crosswords + Wordiply + Corrections + Tips * Search input [ ] google-search Search + Search jobs + Digital Archive + Guardian Licensing + About Us * World * Europe * US * Americas * Asia * Australia * Middle East * Africa * Inequality * Global development Air India Ahmedabad plane crash Air India confirms 241 people onboard were killed in flight AI171 crash, with British man the sole survivor - latest updates Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is only person of 242 onboard to survive crash, with further deaths on the ground * Full report: Briton is sole survivor of Air India plane crash that killed more than 260 * What we know so far about the Air India flight 171 crash - a visual guide LIVE Updated 4m ago Jonathan Yerushalmy (now); Leonie Chao-Fong, Tom Ambrose, Amy Sedghi andCaolan Magee (earlier) Thu 12 Jun 2025 18.58 EDTFirst published on Thu 12 Jun 2025 05.02 EDT Share Key events * 2h ago US transportation secretary says 'no indication' of safety concerns with aircraft model * 3h ago Air India confirms 241 people onboard were killed, with Briton the sole survivor * 4h ago US transportation secretary confirms FAA assisting investigation into crash * 4h ago UK foreign secretary chairs Cobra meeting following crash * 5h ago Canadian who died in crash named as Nirali Sureshkumar Patel * 5h ago Former Gujarat chief minister among those killed in crash * 5h ago Starmer says UK team dispatched to India to investigate 'absolutely devastating' crash * 6h ago Three Britons who died in crash named * 6h ago Briton who reportedly survived crash says he is 'fine' - family * 7h ago The day so far * 8h ago Death toll now at more than 290 people - Reuters * 8h ago London Gatwick airport setting up a reception centre for relatives * 8h ago At least five medical students killed and around 50 injured * 8h ago Ahmedabad police say there is at least one survivor from flight - media reports * 9h ago UK sending team to help India air crash investigators * 9h ago Pope 'deeply saddened' by India plane crash * 10h ago All 242 people on board Air India plane thought to have died - reports * 11h ago More than 200 killed as Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad * 11h ago What we know so far * 12h ago At least 30 bodies recovered from site of India air crash, rescue workers say * 12h ago Indian prime minister says plane crash is 'heartbreaking beyond words' * 13h ago India health minister says 'many people' killed in Air India plane crash * 13h ago Explainer: How safe is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner? * 13h ago Flight AI171 included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian * 13h ago Air India say 53 British nationals on board crashed flight * 13h ago Ahmedabad airport not currently operational and all flights suspended, says spokesperson * 14h ago Air India flight AI171 involved in 'incident', says airline * 14h ago Air India flight to UK crashes in Ahmedabad in India shortly after take off The London-bound Air India flight. 0:31 CCTV footage shows moment Air India plane crashes in Ahmedabad - video Jonathan Yerushalmy (now); Leonie Chao-Fong, Tom Ambrose, Amy Sedghi andCaolan Magee (earlier) Thu 12 Jun 2025 18.58 EDTFirst published on Thu 12 Jun 2025 05.02 EDT Share Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Live feed [ ] From 3h ago 15.33 EDT Air India confirms 241 people onboard were killed, with Briton the sole survivor Air India has just confirmed that 241 people were killed in the crash of Flight AI171. The airline said the sole survivor is currently being treated in hospital. In a statement posted to X, the airline said: Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India has been deployed to Ahmedabad to support grieving families and assist local officials. The airline added that it is fully cooperating with authorities leading the investigation. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew when it crashed into a residential area, with further deaths reported on the ground. Share Updated at 15.57 EDT Key events * 2h ago US transportation secretary says 'no indication' of safety concerns with aircraft model * 3h ago Air India confirms 241 people onboard were killed, with Briton the sole survivor * 4h ago US transportation secretary confirms FAA assisting investigation into crash * 4h ago UK foreign secretary chairs Cobra meeting following crash * 5h ago Canadian who died in crash named as Nirali Sureshkumar Patel * 5h ago Former Gujarat chief minister among those killed in crash * 5h ago Starmer says UK team dispatched to India to investigate 'absolutely devastating' crash * 6h ago Three Britons who died in crash named * 6h ago Briton who reportedly survived crash says he is 'fine' - family * 7h ago The day so far * 8h ago Death toll now at more than 290 people - Reuters * 8h ago London Gatwick airport setting up a reception centre for relatives * 8h ago At least five medical students killed and around 50 injured * 8h ago Ahmedabad police say there is at least one survivor from flight - media reports * 9h ago UK sending team to help India air crash investigators * 9h ago Pope 'deeply saddened' by India plane crash * 10h ago All 242 people on board Air India plane thought to have died - reports * 11h ago More than 200 killed as Air India plane crashes near Ahmedabad * 11h ago What we know so far * 12h ago At least 30 bodies recovered from site of India air crash, rescue workers say * 12h ago Indian prime minister says plane crash is 'heartbreaking beyond words' * 13h ago India health minister says 'many people' killed in Air India plane crash * 13h ago Explainer: How safe is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner? * 13h ago Flight AI171 included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian * 13h ago Air India say 53 British nationals on board crashed flight * 13h ago Ahmedabad airport not currently operational and all flights suspended, says spokesperson * 14h ago Air India flight AI171 involved in 'incident', says airline * 14h ago Air India flight to UK crashes in Ahmedabad in India shortly after take off Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature 3m ago18.57 EDT As well as the more than 240 killed on board the plane, at least 24 people on the ground died after the flight crashed into a hostel housing medical students in a crowded residential area of Ahmedabad. A resident, who declined to be named, told AFP: "We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames." When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames." Officials inspect the site of the plane crash.View image in fullscreen Officials inspect the site of the plane crash. Photograph: Rajat Gupta/EPA A doctor named Krishna said that "the nose and front wheel landed on the canteen building where students were having lunch." He said he saw "about 15 to 20 burned bodies", while he and his colleagues rescued around 15 students. Share 19m ago18.42 EDT The BBC is reporting that family members and friends of a number of the passengers who were on board the crashed plane have gathered in Ahmedabad's hospital for DNA tests to help identify the victims. India's home minister, Amit Shah, has said the final death toll would only be known after the DNA testing had been completed on the victims' remains. A health official takes a DNA sample from a family member of one of the victims.View image in fullscreen A health official takes a DNA sample from a family member of one of the victims. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/ReutersShare Updated at 18.58 EDT 37m ago18.23 EDT Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is thought to be the only survivor of the crash. Speaking outside his family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh told Sky News: "We were just shocked as soon as we heard it. I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We're devastated, just devastated. He said 'I have no idea how I exited the plane'." He video-called my dad as he crashed and said, 'Oh, the plane's crashed. I don't know where my brother is. I don't see any other passengers. I don't know how I'm alive, how I exited the plane'." Dr Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, said: "He was disorientated, with multiple injuries all over his body. But he seems to be out of danger." Share 1h ago17.59 EDT New images from the newswires show doctors gathered in a hospital in Ahmedabad as authorities work to identify victims of the Air India Flight 171 crash using DNA testing. Many of the bodies recovered from the wreckage were badly burned, making visual identification very difficult. Doctors at the hospital have been receiving remains from the crash site and are currently relying on DNA samples provided by relatives to help match identities. Health officials wait to take DNA samples from family members of the victims who diedView image in fullscreen Health officials wait to take DNA samples from family members of the victims who died. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/ReutersShare 1h ago17.45 EDT The British high commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, says UK officials are working tirelessly to support British nationals affected by the crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad. "My team and I have visited the crash site and hospital in Ahmedabad," Cameron said in a post on X. Colleagues in the UK and India are working around the clock to gather information and support British nationals affected. Earlier today, the British high commission in India confirmed it is coordinating closely with local authorities. Share 1h ago17.32 EDT India is in mourning following what a senior BJP spokesperson has described as a "devastating" national tragedy after the crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad. Speaking to Sky News, Javieer Shergill, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said today will go down as a "devastating, disturbing and very, very sad day for India". Calling the disaster "not just a global aviation tragedy" but a "national loss", Shergill said: The entire country is mourning. India cannot come to grips with the reality that in less than a minute, 241 lives were lost, extinguished in less than a minute. Shergill also expressed solidarity with the nations whose citizens were on board. "India, England, Portugal and Canada stand together in this hour of grief," he said, adding that the Indian government is committed to a "complete, impartial, threadbare investigation". Share 2h ago17.18 EDT A family handout photo has been issued of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara. The family from Gloucester died after their Air India flight, which was carrying 242 people from the city of Ahmedabad, crashed earlier today. A family who tragically died earlier today after the crashView image in fullscreen Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara. Photograph: Family handout/PAShare 2h ago17.13 EDT US transportation secretary says 'no indication' of safety concerns with aircraft model US transportation secretary Sean Duffy says there is currently "no indication" of safety concerns with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the aircraft model involved in the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171. Speaking at a news conference that has just concluded, Duffy stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages and that no conclusions have yet been drawn. "We have no preliminary information," he told reporters. "We don't have that information yet, it's very new. Our teams are just going to deploy [to India] right now." Share Updated at 17.15 EDT 2h ago17.00 EDT US transportation secretary Sean Duffy has just issued an update on the probe into the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171. Speaking at a press conference, Duffy said: "If there are initial factors of concern in regard to safety... we will be made aware and we will take action." Because for us safety is paramount... whenever one of these planes go down we take it very seriously, and deploy every asset and resource available to assist in those investigations. Earlier Duffy confirmed the US is working closely with Indian authorities and stressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be assisting with the investigation. Share 3h ago16.26 EDT A London MP said some of his constituents had been notified of the deaths of their relatives in the Air India crash. Bob Blackman told the PA news agency: "The position is that we've got four workers at temples in my constituency who've been notified that their relatives, very sadly, died in the air crash." The MP for Harrow East said these deaths were among the 52 British nationals who died on the flight but that it was not yet clear if they also lived in his constituency. He said he believed there were many Indian nationals onboard due to visit loved ones in the UK. "We also know that there are 169 Indian nationals on the flight who are almost certainly visiting family and friends in the United Kingdom, but we don't know where they were visiting or who they were visiting, what part of their family was, so a lot of the work that's going on right now is to identify who those people are and who they're visiting." Share 3h ago16.10 EDT Special prayer services have been held across London following the crash of Air India Flight 171, as members of the UK's Indian community mourn those lost in the disaster. Many have close ties to Gujarat, the state where the aircraft went down. In Harrow, a vigil and prayer meeting was held at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, drawing a large turnout. Women mourn the India plane crashView image in fullscreen Women pray for the victims of the India plane crash at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, London. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian India plane crash vigil prayer meeting at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, London.View image in fullscreen India plane crash vigil prayer meeting at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, London. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian Meanwhile, around 100 people gathered at the Hindu Neasden Temple in London, one of Europe's largest Hindu temples, for a solemn evening of prayer. Yogvivekdas Swami, who led the service in Neasden, offered blessings for those who died, those injured, and those left behind. "We will offer prayers for the unfortunate people who have passed away, the passengers, the crew, the pilots," he said. "Also, for all their family members, that they may find strength and courage at this very difficult and challenging time." Share 3h ago15.51 EDT Amit Shah, India's home affairs minister and member of parliament for Gandhinagar, has personally visited the hospital treating those affected by the Air India Flight 171 crash. Shah, one of the country's most prominent politicians and a close ally of India's prime minister Narendra Modi, said on X: Visited the hospital and met with the people injured in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Spoke with the affected family members and assured them of every possible support required for the swift recovery of the injured. Also discussed with the doctors about their present health conditions. Earlier in the day, he expressed his grief, posting: "Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad." Share 3h ago15.33 EDT Air India confirms 241 people onboard were killed, with Briton the sole survivor Air India has just confirmed that 241 people were killed in the crash of Flight AI171. The airline said the sole survivor is currently being treated in hospital. In a statement posted to X, the airline said: Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India has been deployed to Ahmedabad to support grieving families and assist local officials. The airline added that it is fully cooperating with authorities leading the investigation. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew when it crashed into a residential area, with further deaths reported on the ground. Share Updated at 15.57 EDT 4h ago15.24 EDT US transportation secretary confirms FAA assisting investigation into crash The United States has pledged full support for the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight 171, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators en route to the site in Ahmedabad. Sean Duffy, the US secretary of transportation, said the country is "deeply saddened by the crash in India. Our prayers are with the families who lost loved ones". Duffy stressed that "safety is paramount", and confirmed the FAA is working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to assist Indian authorities in the investigation. We are prepared to send additional resources to get the data we need to ensure the safety of the flying public. He added that the FAA has already engaged Boeing and GE, the manufacturers of the aircraft, to support the investigation, adding: "We will not hesitate to implement any safety recommendations that may arise. We will follow the facts and put safety first." Share Updated at 15.34 EDT 4h ago15.05 EDT Amid the darkness in Ahmedabad, rescue efforts are still ongoing at the crash site. Here are some of the latest images coming in from the scene via the newswires: Rescue personnel stand next to the wreckage of an Air India aircraft. View image in fullscreen Rescue personnel stand next to the wreckage of the Air India aircraft. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters An officer stands watching the wreckage of the plane.View image in fullscreen An officer stands at the site of a plane crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Siddharaj Solanki/EPA Passengers' luggage after the crash.View image in fullscreen Passangers' luggage at the crash site. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/ ReutersShare 4h ago14.51 EDT UK foreign secretary chairs Cobra meeting following crash The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has chaired a Cobra meeting in response to the Air India plane crash, PA reports. The emergency meeting was convened after the flight, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India. Among the passengers were 53 British nationals, including one known survivor. Senior ministers and officials are believed to have discussed the UK's response, including consular support for families and coordination with Indian authorities. Earlier the Foreign Office said it deployed a multidisciplinary investigation team to India. Share Updated at 14.58 EDT 4h ago14.37 EDT World leaders have expressed grief and solidarity after the crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, which has left more than 290 people dead. The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, is "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and "wishes a swift and full recovery to those who were injured", said a spokesperson. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of India, as well as to all countries whose citizens were affected by this tragedy. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese called the crash "absolutely devastating", adding: "In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected. Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely." French president Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, writing on X: "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Share Updated at 14.56 EDT 5h ago14.26 EDT Authorities in Gujarat have begun preparations for DNA testing to help identify victims of the Air India Flight 171 disaster. "Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition," said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police officer in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff. Dhananjay Dwivedi, a senior state official, told AP that DNA sampling arrangements were being made to assist families and ensure proper identification. Share 1 of 8NextOldestOldest Explore more on these topics * Air India Ahmedabad plane crash * India * Plane crashes * Air transport * South and central Asia Share Reuse this content More on this story More on this story * [5000] 'It all happened so quickly': how the Air India plane crash unfolded 4h ago * [4640] 'Panic and sadness': British Gujaratis in Harrow gather to mourn Air India dead 4h ago * [1125] British man has 'no idea' how he survived Air India crash 5h ago * [3920] First crash of Boeing's 787 model comes weeks after $1.1bn 737 Max payout 6h ago * [4858] What we know so far about the Air India flight 171 crash - a visual guide 6h ago * [3780] British man is sole survivor of Air India plane crash that left more than 260 dead 3h ago * [1350] Smoke rises above Ahmedabad in first images from Air India plane crash - video 12h ago Most viewed Most viewed 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. * World * Europe * US * Americas * Asia * Australia * Middle East * Africa * Inequality * Global development * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning Sign up for our email * About us * Help * Complaints & corrections * SecureDrop * Work for us * * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Contact us * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Tax strategy * Facebook * YouTube * Instagram * LinkedIn * Newsletters * Advertise with us * Guardian Labs * Search jobs * Tips Back to top (c) 2025 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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