Air India Dreamliner crash: 274 dead, including 33 on ground; black box recovered

The death toll from the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI 171 has climbed to 274, including 241 passengers and crew onboard and 33 people on the ground.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad when it crashed into the BJ Medical College campus shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The crash led to a massive fire and structural collapse in one of the hostel buildings housing medical students.

Authorities confirmed that one passenger, identified as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash and is undergoing treatment.

His survival has been described as a rare miracle, as his section of the aircraft was thrown clear from the wreckage. At least 28 others on the ground sustained injuries, many of whom are affiliated with the medical college.

The black box, crucial to the ongoing investigation, was recovered from the rooftop of a hostel building on the night of June 13.

Investigators from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and UK aviation experts, are analyzing flight data to determine the exact sequence of events.

Initial findings suggest a possible malfunction in the engine thrust or issues with flap extension and landing gear retraction. A bird strike has not been identified as a likely cause at this stage.

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered urgent safety inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft operating in India.

These checks will focus on the aircraft’s flight control systems, engine performance, and emergency landing gear operations. This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 globally since its commercial debut in 2011.

Air India, now operated by the Tata Group, has announced full cooperation with the investigation and expressed condolences to the families affected by the crash.

Compensation measures are being discussed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site, calling it one of the gravest aviation disasters in Indian history and assuring that accountability will be ensured.