Over 265 Killed in Ahmedabad Plane Crash; Black Box Recovered, 8 Agencies Investigating
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 2nd, 2025, shook the nation. Over 265 people have perished in this tragic incident. Given the severity, the central government has formed a high-level investigation committee comprising 8 agencies, which will submit its report within three months.
India's Worst Air Disaster in Decades
This is considered the most serious air accident in India in the last three decades. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed onto the mess hall of BJ Medical College minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers, along with MBBS students and staff present in the mess hall. The death toll is estimated to be between 265 and 270.
PM Modi Visits Crash Site
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site the following day. He assessed the affected areas and met with the bereaved families, offering condolences. He also met with the family of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who were impacted by the tragedy.
DNA Tests to Identify Victims
The severity of the crash has made identifying many victims extremely difficult. DNA samples are being collected from the families of the deceased to facilitate scientific identification. DNA collection is underway at BJ Medical College's civil hospital. Many family members, including the father of pilot Sabarwal, have already provided samples.
Black Box Could Provide Crucial Information
The black box was recovered from the roof of BJ Medical College. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has immediately sent it for forensic examination. The black box is expected to yield crucial clues, such as flight data recordings and cockpit voice recordings, which could clarify the cause of the accident.
8-Agency Investigation Committee
The central government has constituted a committee of 8 agencies, including national and international organizations, to conduct a thorough investigation:
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS)
- Gujarat Police
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (UK-AAIB)
- US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
These agencies will investigate the technical, human, and safety aspects of the accident.
Air India Fleet Inspections Ordered
Following the accident, the DGCA has ordered immediate inspections of all 34 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India's fleet; 26 Boeing 787-8 and 7 Boeing 787-9. The aim is to identify potential technical flaws and prevent future accidents.
Several Still Missing
According to Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of BJ Medical College, 6-7 people are still missing. These include hostel students, mess staff, and other employees. There is still no trace of Thakur Ravi's mother and two-year-old daughter, who were cooking in the mess.
People have thronged civil hospitals in Ahmedabad and other government hospitals to identify bodies. The scene is filled with grieving families. Doctors, nursing staff, and administration are trying to provide all possible assistance, but the process has become extremely difficult due to the condition of the bodies.
