British investigators have arrived in India to assist with the probe into the Air India plane crash as Indian teams recovered a second black box from the wreckage and continued combing the debris for evidence.
The flight data recorder was found just hours after the first black box was discovered.
All passengers but one on the flight to the UK died – 241 out of 242 – when it crashed in a huge fireball moments after take-off in India’s western city of Ahmedabad.
The Indian government is considering temporarily grounding Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, broadcaster NDTV reported.
Investigators include anti-terror squads, a source said.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, from Leicester, the sole survivor, who was sitting in seat 11A, told the Hindustan Times: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
Air India said the passengers included 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese citizens.
Families in India with concerns can call Air India on 1800 5691 444. Those outside India can call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000.
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Key Points
- British investigators arrive in India
- Second black box recovered from Air India plane crash site
- Pilot's desperate last words before crash
- India may ground Boeing 787 fleet – report
- Crash survivor says he escaped through broken emergency exit
- Twenty victims linked to one British temple
270 bodies recovered from Air India crash site
07:55
,
Stuti Mishra
At least 270 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the Air India plane that crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, a hospital official has said, according to Reuters news agency.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people when it lost altitude moments after take-off on Thursday and slammed into buildings near the airport, erupting in a massive fireball. Rescue teams have been working through the debris since the crash, which also killed several people on the ground.
Some victims’ bodies expected to be released as DNA identification process nears end
07:45
,
Namita Singh
The bodies of several victims of the plane crash are expected to be released to their families by tomorrow evening, following the completion of the DNA sampling process, The Independent has learnt.
According to hospital officials, DNA samples of victims who could not be identified visually were submitted on Thursday. Their remains are likely to be handed over once the 72-hour verification window concludes.
In the meantime, the bodies of victims identified through visible body marks are expected to be released either by this evening or early tomorrow morning.
However, not all victims have undergone DNA sampling. For those cases, officials say the identification process may take longer, as DNA analysis typically requires a minimum of 72 hours.
Gujarat state's home minister and investigators at site of crash
07:17
,
Stuti Mishra
Gujarat’s minister of state for home, Harsh Sanghavi, is visiting the site of the crash, a day after prime minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, my colleague Namita Singh reports from Ahmedabad.
Multiple Indian agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force, forensic teams, fire and rescue services are inspecting the wreckage of the London-bound Air India jet, which crashed into the rooftop of a doctors’ hostel in Ahmedabad.
The area remains fully cordoned off.
Indian Community in London pays tribute to victims outside high commission
06:45
,
Stuti Mishra
#WATCH | UK | Members of the Indian Community paid homage to those who died in the London-bound Air India plane crash, outside the High Commission in London. pic.twitter.com/txvyEH7nDM
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2025
British investigators arrive in India
06:15
,
Stuti Mishra
British investigators have arrived in India to assist with the probe into the Air India plane crash that killed at least 260 people, including nearly all passengers and crew on board.
A team of four officials from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and flight data, is now working in Ahmedabad alongside American and Indian counterparts.
"Their role is to provide additional support and expertise to the safety investigation being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," the government said.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata – which owns Air India – said this was one of the “darkest days” in the group’s history and promised full transparency. “We don’t know right now [what caused the crash], but we will,” he said.
The Indian government has formed a committee to investigate the disaster, and officials confirmed the aircraft’s black box has been recovered. The panel will examine cockpit voice recordings, flight data and maintenance records and is expected to submit a report within three months.
British consular staff have also been deployed to assist with victim identification and coordinate with local authorities. The UK has been given 'expert' status in the Indian investigation but the release of official findings will rest with Indian authorities.
The Independent reports from Ahmedabad hospital after Air India plane disaster
06:00
,
Stuti Mishra
Markets shut in Rajkot to honour Vijay Rupani
05:30
,
Stuti Mishra
Shops and businesses remained closed in Rajkot today as the city mourned the death of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani in the Ahmedabad air crash.
Rupani, who served as chief minister of the state from 2016 to 2021, and was elected multiple times as MLA from the Rajkot West constituency, was among the dead when Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff.
Authorities continue clearing debris on third day after crash
04:57
,
Namita Singh
Ahmedabad municipal corporation workers continued to clear debris from the crash site using heavy machinery, now on the third day since the incident.
As of 9am local time (4.30am GMT), several senior police officials and personnel from the state rescue and disaster response team have been seen visiting the site.
The area remained cordoned off and inaccessible to civilians.
Here's what Air India CEO said after visiting crash site
04:30
,
Stuti Mishra
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said he was “deeply moved by the scenes” during a visit to the Ahmedabad crash site and promised the airline would be “fully transparent” in cooperating with investigations.
“Air India’s advanced team of nearly 100 caregivers and 40 engineering staff has now arrived in Ahmedabad,” he said in a video statement. “The technical team is now helping at the site and our caregivers are providing support to families.”
“We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured,” and confirmed compensation of approximately £85,000 ($115,000) would be given to families of those who died.
Friends and Relatives Assistance Centres have been set up in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Gatwick.
Watch | The British victims of Air India plane crash
04:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
India sets up high-level committee to probe Air India crash cause
03:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
A committee formed to investigate the root cause of the Air India crash will report within three months, the Indian government’s ministry of civil aviation has said.
The committee will have access to flight data, cockpit voice recordings and maintenance records.
“A high level multi-disciplinary committee is constituted for examining the causes leading to the crash,” a statement said.
“The Committee will examine the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive guidelines for dealing with such instances in the future.
“The Committee will not be a substitute to other enquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future.”
Air India crash victims to be remembered at Trooping the Colour
02:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
The King will lead the nation in remembering those killed in the Air India plane crash when a minute’s silence is observed during Trooping the Colour.
Charles has requested the moment of reflection in tribute to the 241 passengers and crew killed, and others affected.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King requested amendments to the Trooping the Colour programme “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”.
The King issued a written message soon after the India plane crash saying he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events” and expressing his “deepest possible sympathy”.
He was kept updated about the developing situation on Thursday and it later emerged there was a sole survivor, UK national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
The minute’s silence will be observed after the King has inspected the guardsmen on the parade ground. It will be signalled by a bugler sounding the Last Post and will end with the Reveille.
Young girls orphaned after father dies in Air India plane crash on way back from scattering wife’s ashes
01:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Tributes to 'dedicated doctor'
Friday 13 June 2025 23:59
,
Jane Dalton
A Derby radiologist who was killed in the crash has been described as a "dedicated and talented colleague” and a "wonderful man".
Dr Prateek Joshi died alongside his wife and three children.
Stephen Posey, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, said Dr Joshi was a "dedicated and talented colleague.
He said: "We are profoundly and deeply saddened at the loss of our dedicated and talented colleague, Dr Prateek Joshi and his family.
"Prateek was not only an excellent doctor for whom nothing was too much trouble, but also a warm, smiling and kind man who was a hugely liked and valued member of the team.
"We are privileged that Prateek chose to give his skills, talent and knowledge to the NHS, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him."
Tata promises bereaved families £86,000
Friday 13 June 2025 23:15
,
Jane Dalton
Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would provide 10 million rupees (around £86,000) to the families of each of those killed in the crash.
The company said it would also cover the medical costs of the injured and provide support in the "building up" of the medical college.
Air India has set up friends and relatives assistance centres at Gatwick, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad airports to provide support in the wake of AI171's crash.
How disaster unfolded and possible causes
Friday 13 June 2025 22:45
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Medical college wrecked by disaster
Friday 13 June 2025 22:15
,
Jane Dalton
Pilots issued malfunction warning, says expert
Friday 13 June 2025 21:40
,
Jane Dalton
An aviation expert says several sources have revealed that the pilots issued a malfunction warning before the crash.
Richard Curran, professor of sustainable aviation at City, University of London, told The Independent he had been told “that there was some sort of a malfunction on the general control system of the aircraft”, adding: “So it was not a pilot error.”
“They actually registered a malfunction. So that means they had a problem, a technical problem.
“There are two pilots – there's a captain and a co-pilot – so one is covering the other, and they're completely alert at that time, because the pilot’s job is really just take off and landing,” said Prof Curran, who previously spent 12 years as KLM’s chair of engineering and maintenance.
Young girls orphaned as father dies after scattering wife’s ashes
Friday 13 June 2025 21:10
,
Jane Dalton
Two young sisters have been left orphaned after their father was killed in the tragedy, just weeks after their mother died from cancer.
Young families and tragic final selfies: the British victims
Friday 13 June 2025 20:45
,
Jane Dalton
In pictures: Families in shock
Friday 13 June 2025 20:19
,
Jane Dalton
Three people from Northants died
Friday 13 June 2025 19:50
,
Jane Dalton
The mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire announced the deaths of three people from his community.
"Among those lost were Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri, all from our Wellingborough community," said Raj Mishra.
"I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
"May their memories be a blessing, and may we come together to support one another in this time of grief."
People died before my eyes, says sole survivor
Friday 13 June 2025 19:30
,
Jane Dalton
The British survivor of the disaster has spoken of the horror of watching people dying in front of his eyes.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, from Leicester, told DD News: "I still can't believe how I survived."
The 40-year-old said the plane felt like it was "stuck in the air" shortly after take-off before lights began flickering green and white - adding: "It suddenly slammed into a building and exploded."
Watch: Namita Singh reports from outside hospital
Friday 13 June 2025 18:55
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Air India boss pledges to be 'fully transparent' in investigation
Friday 13 June 2025 18:50
,
Jane Dalton
In pictures: Vigil for London victims
Friday 13 June 2025 18:41
,
Jane Dalton
Probe 'focuses on engine, flaps and landing gear'
Friday 13 June 2025 18:10
,
Jane Dalton
The disaster investigation is focusing on the engine, flaps and landing gear, a source has said.
They said Air India and the Indian government were looking at several aspects of the crash, including issues linked to its engine thrust, flaps and why the landing gear remained open as the plane took off and then came down within moments.
The probe is also looking at whether Air India was at fault, including on maintenance issues, the source said.
A possible bird strike is not among the key areas of focus.
Anxious families await dental identification of relatives
Friday 13 June 2025 17:50
,
Jane Dalton
Dozens of anxious family members were sitting outside an Indian hospital waiting to collect bodies of loved ones killed in the disaster, as doctors worked to gather dental samples from the deceased and run identification checks.
Outside the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, an elderly woman said four of her relatives including two children were on the flight.
Other relatives sat patiently at the hospital where many have in recent hours given blood samples for DNA profiling at a dedicated centre for collection.
Jaishankar Pillai, a forensic dentist, said: "We have recorded the dental records of 135 charred victims ... it's a very pathetic situation."
Officials outside the post-mortem room said at least seven bodies had been handed over to their relatives after identification checks.
The state administration said 219 relatives of crash victims had come forward for DNA testing and blood samples, while many others were being contacted.
Sisters who surprised grandmother on birthday remembered
Friday 13 June 2025 17:29
,
Jane Dalton
Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, both in their early 20s, were returning home to London on the Air India flight after surprising their grandmother for her birthday.
Ishan Baxi, a cousin who lives in Ahmedabad, said both women had an "amazing aura" and wanted to "roam the world".
"They both had aspirations to be successful enough to roam around the world like tension-free along with the parents, and they had proclivity towards modernisation without changing traditional values," he said.
"Right now no one is able to come (to) terms because they both came here just to celebrate grandma's birthday but, see, the tragedy - they came, they celebrated and they both left the world, everything is vanished right in front of our eyes.
"I am unable to control my tears even now, also just because I was close to them. You just imagine what emotions parents are going through right now and think about guilt the grandma would feel right now," Mr Baxi added.
Heer worked a product manager and "loved statistics and finance", while Dhir was a fashion designer who had studied in Paris, their cousin said.
‘It’s all very raw’: Twenty victims linked to one temple
Friday 13 June 2025 17:11
,
Jane Dalton
Radiologist from Derby hailed 'wonderful man, full of joy'
Friday 13 June 2025 16:56
,
Jane Dalton
A highly respected radiologist who was killed in the disaster has been described as a wonderful man who entertained colleagues with stories about "his newly discovered love of fish and chips" after moving to the UK.
Dr Prateek Joshi died alongside his wife and three children on the Boeing 787 plane.
Colleagues paid tribute to him as "a man with such a passion for life", including an enthusiasm for walking in the Peak District.
Dr Joshi worked at the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Hospital Burton for four years, after moving to Derby from India in 2021.
Fellow consultant radiologist and clinical director for imaging at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), Dr Rajeev Singh, who worked closely with Dr Joshi, said he "radiated positivity".
Dr Singh said: "Prateek was full of joy, he was a wonderful man, friend, husband and father, and an exceptional radiologist who was highly respected in his field.
"He approached everything with a smile, radiated positivity and had a great sense of humour.”
Tragic couple had lost only son in earlier plane crash
Friday 13 June 2025 16:34
,
Jane Dalton
A couple who died in the Air India plane crash had lost their only son in a previous aviation tragedy, a London temple leader has revealed.
Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, of the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow, north-west London, said the couple had been returning from a religious celebration in India.
Their son, a pilot, had died in a crash in France several years ago.
"After what has happened to their son as well - it's just terrible to think about," Mr Guruji said.
The spiritual leader said he personally knew 20 people who were killed in the crash.
"This is the most shocking news we have ever experienced in the temple's 25-year history," Mr Guruji said.
"We want answers from the airline."
Mr Guruji said the Gatwick-to-Ahmedabad route was popular in the community.
Air India boss promises to be 'fully open' in investigation
Friday 13 June 2025 16:11
,
Jane Dalton
The boss of Air India has pledged the company will be “fully transparent” during the crash investigations and will support the probe for as long as needed.
Campbell Wilson, chief executive and managing director, said in a video message: “This morning, I visited the crash site and was deeply moved by the scenes.
“I also met key stakeholders in the government and assured them that Air India is committed to full cooperation with those working on the ground and to the investigations.
“We know that the investigations will take time, but we will be fully transparent and will support the process for as long as it takes.
“Air India will continue to do everything we can to care for those affected by this tragedy, and to uphold the trust, placed in us.”
Boeing boss cancels air show visit
Friday 13 June 2025 16:00
,
Jane Dalton
Boeing and GE Aerospace are scaling back their public activities following the fatal crash of an Air India jetliner.
The plane-maker's chief executive have cancelled his trip to the Paris Airshow next week and GE has postponed an investor day.
Boeing chief Kelly Ortberg said in a message to staff that he and Boeing Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope had cancelled plans to attend the Paris Airshow "so we can be with our team and focus on our customer and the investigation".
The air show, at Le Bourget in France, is the global aviation industry's largest trade show, where many aircraft orders are typically placed by airlines.
New: @Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is canceling trip to Paris Air Show per email seen by @Reuters pic.twitter.com/b7c8RRr5Nu
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) June 12, 2025
Mapped: Air India plane crash
Friday 13 June 2025 15:47
,
Athena Stavrou
‘Why me?’: Six extraordinary stories of sole plane crash survivors
Friday 13 June 2025 15:28
,
Jane Dalton
Woman missed Air India flight 171 after getting stuck in traffic
Friday 13 June 2025 15:11
,
Andy Gregory
A woman who had been booked to fly on Air India flight 171 has described it as a “miracle” after she missed the plane due to getting stuck in traffic.
Bhoomi Chauhan, a 28-year-old business administration student, who lives in Bristol with her husband, had been due to fly home from a holiday in western India on Thursday, but was turned away by airline staff after arriving at Ahmedabad airport less than an hour before the plane was due to depart.
“We got very angry with our driver and left the airport in frustration,” she told the BBC’s Gujarati service. “I was very disappointed. We left the airport and stood at a place to drink tea and after a while, before leaving ... we were talking to the travel agent about how to get a refund for the ticket.
“There, I got a call that the plane had gone down.”
Ms Chauhan, who had checked in to the flight online and was booked to sit in seat 36G, added: “This is totally a miracle for me.”
Second black box found
Friday 13 June 2025 14:19
,
Jane Dalton
A second black box – the digital one on board – has been discovered among the wreckage.
Planes carry two “black” boxes: the cockpit voice recorder and the digital flight data recorder.
Watchdog orders safety inspections
Friday 13 June 2025 14:10
,
Jane Dalton
India's aviation regulator has ordered Air India to carry out safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8/9 fleet.
All planes equipped with Genx engines are to be included, the order document shows.
Power assurance checks are to be carried out within two weeks.
UK government offers survivor support
Friday 13 June 2025 14:02
,
Jane Dalton
The Foreign Office has been in contact with the British survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, to offer support, Downing
