Black Box of Doomed Air India London Flight Recovered Hours After Plane With 242 Onboard Crashed In Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: The black box of the doomed Air India London flight that crashed in Ahmedabad minutes after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has been recovered from the crash site hours after the tragedy. According to reports, over 200 passengers out of the total 242 have died in the plane crash. Miraculously, one passenger who was seated on seat number 11A has survived the plane crash. Reports suggests that he jumped out of the emergency window when the crash took place and was seen walking. A video has also surfaced of him walking after the tragic accident. He is said to be a British national.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik while speaking on the tragic incident, said, “The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area.”

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers out of which 169 onboard were Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese and 1 Canadian nationals.

Though several videos of the plane crash incident has surfaced, one of them shows the actual moment when the flight crashed in the residential area in Ahmedabad. 

Another video of the tragic incident has emerged which showed the Air India flight trying to take off but couldn't and crashed into a building just moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad. 

Did Air India plane face fuel inject technical snag?

Reports earlier suggested that the Air India Ahmedabad-London flight which crashed with 242 passengers onboard in Ahmedabad's residential  failed to dispose fuel from the plane's tank. As per spot reports, the flight crashed with 58,000 litres of fuel. However, hours after the crash, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed media and informed that when the flight crashed, there was around 1.25 lakh litre fuel in the plane.

Air India plane which crashed today was grounded last year, DGCA sent notices to Airline 

In another shocking revelation after the incident, the Air India plane which was involved in the crash today was grounded last year in 2024.

Republic accessed documents which revealed that show cause notices were sent to Air India on June 3 and June 5 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The notices sent to the airline had raised concerns over the maintenance of several aircraft.

As per reports, the notices were addressed to Chief Technical Officer SK Das, and mentioned that the airline continued operating the aircraft with expired emergency equipment.

More shockingly, the document mentioned lack of serviceable and airworthy seat belt assemblies, as well as the use of escape slides overdue for inspection.

Air India statement on London plane crash

Earlier today, speaking on the Ahmedabad-London plane crash, Air India confirmed that flight Al171, which was bound for Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” Air India said.

The airline also issued a passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information.

PM Modi issues statement on Air India plane crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the Air India plane crash incident as “heartbreaking beyond words” adding he was monitoring the situation and in contact touch with state authorities.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," the Prime Minister said.