Air India Ahmedabad crash black box recovered: probe intensifies into 241 deaths

The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad claimed 241 lives including ex-CM Vijay Rupani, with only one survivor. The recovery of the black box within 28 hours marks a critical step as AAIB and government teams launch a full-scale investigation, while the nation mourns and entertainment events pause in solidarity.

Sources:
MintIndiatvnewsTimesofindia+5
Updated 1m ago
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Sources: TimesofindiaFreepressjournalMint+2
The black box of Air India Flight AI171, which crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, has been recovered, intensifying the investigation into the tragedy that claimed 241 lives.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

"The Flight data recorder (Black Box) has been recovered within 28 hours from the accident site in Ahmedabad by AAIB," the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed.

The flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Remarkably, there was only one survivor, a British-Indian man seated at 11A.

"The AAIB has launched a full-scale probe into the mishap, with over 40 staff from the Gujarat government joining efforts to support the ministry of civil aviation (MoCA) teams on the ground," officials said.

The crash devastated families and communities, including the loss of Aryan Kirar Rajpoot, a 22-year-old MBBS student from Madhya Pradesh, who was dining in a hostel when the plane collided.

Bollywood celebrities expressed their grief, with Janhvi Kapoor stating, "The weight of such tragedies is impossible to put into words. Praying deeply for the passengers, the crew, and every family waiting for answers tonight."

The tragedy also led to the postponement of several entertainment events, including the pre-release of the film 'Kuberaa' and the fan event for 'Rana Naidu Season 2,' as a mark of respect.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full central government assistance, coordinating with Gujarat officials.

The recovery of the black box is a critical step toward understanding the cause of the crash and preventing future disasters.

Key statistics:
- Total onboard: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew)
- Nationalities: 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian
- Fatalities: 241
- Survivors: 1
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

The investigation continues as authorities work to provide answers to the grieving families and the nation.
Sources: Timesofindia
The black box of the Air India flight AI171 that crashed near Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 people including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, has been recovered. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, with only one survivor. A full-scale probe by AAIB and Gujarat officials is underway.
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The Headline

Air India AI171 crashes near Ahmedabad; black box recovered; probe underway

With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to 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.
Chandrasekaran
Air India official
Mint
Key Facts
  • Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, carrying 242 passengers and crew including 169 Indian nationals and 53 British nationals.MintTimesofindia
  • The crash claimed 241 lives including Gujarat's former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani; there was only one survivor, a British-Indian man seated at 11A.Timesofindia
  • The black box was recovered within 28 hours from a rooftop near the crash site by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).Timesofindia
  • The AAIB launched a full-scale investigation into the crash with support from over 40 staff from the Gujarat government and Ministry of Civil Aviation teams.Timesofindia
  • The crash occurred near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025.2Indianexpress
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured central government assistance and has spoken to Gujarat's Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Police Commissioner regarding the crash.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Total passengers and crew on Air India flight AI171
242 passengers
Mint
Indian nationals on board AI171
169 passengers
Mint
British nationals on board AI171
53 passengers
Mint
Number of deaths in Air India AI171 crash
241 deaths
Timesofindia
Time taken to recover black box
28 hours
Timesofindia
Number of staff supporting AAIB investigation
40 staff
Timesofindia

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Background Context

Tributes, personal stories, and event cancellations follow crash

Shaken by the news of the Air India flight crash that took place shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The weight of such tragedies is impossible to put into words. Praying deeply for the passengers, the crew, and every family waiting for answers tonight.
Janhvi Kapoor
Bollywood actress
Mint
It is hard to believe that Vijaybhai is no longer with us. Vijaybhai was not just a Chief Minister, he was a common man in the truest sense. He treated everyone equally and always listened to people.
Jyotindra Mehta
friend of Vijay Rupani
News18
Vijaybhai’s sudden death is very sad. We have always been with him in his journey from college to CM. We 12 friends always lived together, and this number 12—June 12, the day Vijaybhai died, and his plane seat number 12—makes it a strange and emotional coincidence.
Mansurbhai Jasdanwala
friend of Vijay Rupani
News18
Key Facts
  • The pre-release event of the film 'Kuberaa' was postponed to June 15, 2025, in respect of the tragic plane crash.Indiatvnews
  • The fan and media event for 'Rana Naidu Season 2' was cancelled in solidarity with the families affected by the crash.Timesofindia
  • Among the deceased was Aryan Kirar Rajpoot, a 22-year-old promising MBBS student from Gwalior who had scored 700 marks in NEET and dreamed of becoming a doctor.Freepressjournal
  • Emotional tributes poured in for former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from his close friends recalling his humility and the coincidence of June 12 and his plane seat number 12.News18
Key Stats at a Glance
Age of Aryan Kirar Rajpoot
22 years
Freepressjournal
NEET exam score of Aryan Kirar Rajpoot
700 marks
Freepressjournal
Rescheduled date for Kuberaa pre-release event
June 15, 2025
Indiatvnews
Streaming start date of Rana Naidu Season 2
June 13, 2025
Timesofindia
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