Tragic Air India Crash Claims Lives, Families Seek Answers Amid Grief

In a harrowing incident, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025, leading to the tragic loss of at least 265 lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India's history. As the families of the victims, including the Saiyad family who sent their last family selfie moments before boarding, grapple with their grief, authorities are intensifying efforts to investigate the crash and identify the deceased.

The flight was scheduled to fly to London Gatwick Airport, but moments after takeoff, it veered off course and crashed into a residential building, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a fireball, and the impact was so severe that many victims were reportedly burned beyond recognition.

Inayat Saiyad, a 48-year-old software professional, his wife Nafisa, and their two children, Taskin and Vakee, were among those aboard the ill-fated flight. Inayat had sent a message to his family group chat just minutes before the crash, expressing gratitude for their time together. "Thanks to all the family for making this trip enjoyable," he wrote, a sentiment now tragically overshadowed by the disaster.

The grief-stricken family members, who learned of the crash through media reports, rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, desperate for information. "There was no system in place...no one there to give information to us," lamented Varis Saiyad, Inayat's brother, highlighting the chaotic and uncoordinated response from authorities. The lack of timely information has compounded the anguish of families waiting to identify their loved ones, with officials stating that DNA testing could take up to 72 hours.

As recovery efforts continue, Nitin Sangwan, a senior government officer, acknowledged the extraordinary pressure on teams working to identify victims. "We are also very distressed... The government is making all the efforts: physically, emotionally — everything," he stated, as families continue to wait in agony for news.

The investigation into the crash has attracted international attention, with air accident experts from the United States and the United Kingdom arriving to assist Indian authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, expressing condolences and emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Investigators have recovered vital evidence, including the aircraft's black box, which could provide insights into the causes of the crash.

Air safety experts have raised concerns about the aircraft's safety protocols, with India's aviation watchdog announcing comprehensive safety checks across Air India's Dreamliner fleet. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to conducting a "fair and thorough" investigation, as officials warn that the death toll may rise as recovery operations progress. Inayat's family reflects on their last moments together, underscoring the tragic nature of the incident and the urgent need for accountability and answers for the grieving families left behind.