Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Leaves 270 Dead; Families Demand Answers

On June 14, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner tragically crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of at least 270 individuals. The aircraft, which was bound for Gatwick Airport in the UK, lost altitude rapidly and collided with buildings, igniting a devastating fireball upon impact. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the past decade, igniting widespread concern and scrutiny regarding the safety protocols of Air India, particularly under the management of the Tata Group, which took over the airline in 2022.

According to Dhaval Gameti, president of the Junior Doctors Association at B.J. Medical College, the horrific scene has left families of the victims in deep anguish as they struggle to recover the remains of their loved ones. "At least 270 bodies have been recovered from the site of the plane crash," Gameti reported. Families have expressed frustration over delays in the identification process, which is complicated by the severe condition of the bodies, many of which are badly charred.

Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, a family member who lost four relatives, voiced his distress, stating, "We have lost our children... we are not understanding anything. Please help us get information about our children. Tell us when they are going to release their bodies." The identification process is currently underway, with doctors working to gather dental samples to assist in matching victims to their records.

Dr. Jaishankar Pillai, a forensic dentist involved in the identification efforts, stated, "We have the dental records of 135 charred victims, which we can match through reference to prior dental charts, radiographs, or other records." This method of identification has become crucial, given the condition of the remains.

As the tragedy unfolds, the Indian government has established a high-level panel to investigate the crash. Preliminary investigations are focusing on various technical aspects, including engine thrust and landing gear deployment. It's reported that the landing gear remained open during takeoff, a critical detail that could shed light on the cause of the crash.

Tata Group's chairman has publicly stated that they are committed to uncovering the circumstances of this disaster, acknowledging the airline's ongoing struggle to regain its reputation amidst such a catastrophic event. In the aftermath, aviation safety experts have begun to question the adequacy of Boeing 787 safety protocols, especially as incidents involving this model have raised concerns in the past.

This latest incident has drawn attention not only to Air India's safety measures but also to the broader implications for the Indian aviation industry, which has been grappling with regulatory and operational challenges. Experts like Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Aviation Safety at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, underscore the importance of rigorous safety standards in maintaining public trust. "Aviation safety is paramount, and any compromise can lead to catastrophic outcomes," Dr. Johnson remarked in a recent interview.

As families await answers, the implications of this tragedy will likely spur discussions on aviation safety regulations in India and potentially lead to policy reforms aimed at preventing future disasters. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as investigations continue and families seek closure amidst their grief.