Bhagavad Gita survives, over 200 don't: India may ground Boeing 787-8 after Ahmedabad horror crash

Time of India

a day ago

India is currently reviewing the continued use of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a tragic crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. The aircraft, operated by Air India, crashed into the B J Medical College hostel just 33 seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The government has initiated a high-level probe, with support from both American and British investigators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site and met the injured at the Ahmedabad civic hospital the following day.
Flight AI171 collides with medical college building
Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down shortly after takeoff, crashing into a nearby hostel of BJ Medical College. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that only one individual—identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A—survived the crash. Ahmedabad IG Vidhi Chaudhary confirmed the overall death toll stood at 260, including casualties from the ground. At least 50 hostel students were reported injured.
One passenger in the fateful #AirIndia flight was travelling with Bhagavad Gita , which is completely safe and has been found in the debris of the plane from the crash site.#AhmedabadPlaneCrash #Ahmedabad #AirIndiaPlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/g4kcdmIycl
NDRF Inspector Vinay Kumar said that 81 bodies were recovered from the crash site by Friday morning. The National Disaster Response Force has deployed seven teams for rescue and recovery. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a fireball and black smoke moments after the aircraft went down.
Investigation and emergency response
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has launched an official inquiry. US and UK teams are also assisting the India-led investigation. Despite global concerns, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified there are no current safety issues identified with the Boeing 787-8.
A high-level committee has been formed in India to examine the cause of the crash and suggest long-term aviation safety measures. The Tata-owned airline has set up helplines for affected families and announced ₹1 crore compensation for the next of kin of each deceased passenger.
PM Modi and Amit Shah conduct review meetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a site visit and met victims. Separately, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting joined by CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers CR Patil, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and MoS Muralidhar Mohol. Shah said the government would ensure support for DNA identification, and safe return of remains to families.
Notable passengers and reactions
Among the deceased was senior BJP leader and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. Of the 242 passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
British MP Shivani Raja raised safety concerns, noting the large number of UK citizens aboard. Community members in Leicester and nearly 100 people at a Hindu temple in London held prayer meetings. Survivors' families have begun receiving outreach from diplomatic missions and support groups.
Bhagavad Gita found intact amid wreckage
In a widely circulated video, a version of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was shown intact among the plane's debris. The video shows a man holding the scripture, which survived the blaze. While the number of ground casualties remains under investigation, five student deaths at BJ Medical College have been confirmed.