Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 265 people. The Tata Group chairman called it the darkest day in the company's history.
Plane Crash: Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed minutes after takeoff, resulting in the death of 265 people. The accident occurred after the plane collided with a medical college hostel. N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, described it as the darkest day in Tata Group's history, writing an emotional letter to his employees. Investigative agencies from India, the UK, and the USA are jointly investigating the accident.
Nation Shocked by Horrific Plane Crash
On June 12, 2025, India witnessed an event that will be remembered for a long time. Air India flight AI-171, traveling from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner directly impacted a medical college hostel, resulting in a massive explosion and engulfing the area in flames.
A total of 242 people onboard – 230 passengers and 12 crew members – perished in the accident. The impact with the hostel building also resulted in casualties among resident doctors and others present there, bringing the total death toll to 265. Only one passenger survived, but remains in critical condition.
Tata Group Chairman's Emotional Letter
Air India, acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, is operated by the conglomerate. Following the tragedy, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran penned an emotional letter to all employees, terming it the "darkest day" in Tata's history.
He wrote, "What happened yesterday is unbelievable. We are all in deep shock and grief. Losing one person is a tragedy, but losing so many at once is unbearable. This is one of the darkest days in the history of the Tata Group."
International Agencies Investigate the Crash
Chandrasekaran also informed that investigative agencies from India, the UK, and the USA have arrived in Ahmedabad and launched a thorough investigation into the accident.
He assured complete transparency and cooperation from the Tata Group in the investigation. He wrote, "We will not make any public assumptions until all facts are verified. However, whatever conclusions emerge will be shared transparently with everyone."
Safety Remains Paramount: Tata Group
In his letter, Chandrasekaran reiterated that passenger safety has been the utmost priority since the Tata Group took over the operation of Air India. He stated that no compromises were ever made on safety.
He stated, "Since taking over Air India, we have further strengthened our safety standards. We have placed the lives and safety of our passengers at the heart of every decision."
What has emerged so far?
Teams of forensic and aviation experts have reached the site. Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical malfunction within minutes of takeoff. However, no official technical cause has yet been shared by Air India or aviation authorities.
Organizations such as the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and the NTSB USA are involved in the investigation, and the "black box" has been recovered, the examination of which could shed light on several technical aspects.
Emergency Assistance for Affected Families
Air India and the Tata Group have formed a special task force to provide assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. These families are receiving immediate financial aid, counseling, and other necessary support. At the government level, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have issued instructions for an investigation and are taking every aspect of the accident seriously.
Wave of Grief Across the Globe
This accident has shaken not only India but the entire world. In addition to Indian citizens, the deceased included British, Canadian, and Portuguese nationals. World leaders and aviation organizations have expressed their condolences over this tragedy. The Prime Minister of the UK and the President of Portugal have also offered their sympathies.
