One day after the devastating crash of Air India flight AI171, which had just taken off from Ahmedabad bound for London-Gatwick, the death toll continues to be updated, reflecting the catastrophic scale of the incident. Indian authorities and rescue teams remain active at the disaster site, while investigations into the causes are only beginning (for details see the AVIONEWS report and related links).

Initial reports indicated that there were 242 people on board the aircraft, with an initial confirmed death toll of 241 victims and a single survivor. However, subsequent updates from some Indian sources have unfortunately reported that the number of people deceased on board has risen to 265. This figure, which exceeds the initially estimated number of people on board, may include a more accurate verification of the bodies recovered or a revised count taking into account aspects not immediately clear. Beyond these tragic losses, at least 25 fatalities are feared among those on the ground at the time of impact, including students and medical staff, bringing the current total, as of this writing, to 290 deaths.

The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is hospitalized with multiple injuries but is considered out of danger. More than 30 injured students are still under treatment, with at least four in critical condition.

Tata Group, owner of Air India, has announced compensation of 1 crore rupees (approximately 116,000 US dollars) for the families of each victim, in addition to covering medical expenses for the injured. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “heartbreaking beyond words” and has visited the injured. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah also met the survivor. Messages of condolence and offers of support came from international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and, not least, the President of the Italian Republic Mattarella (see AVIONEWS and related links).

The aircraft, a Boeing 787/800 Dreamliner, issued a distress call (“Mayday”) shortly after takeoff from runway 23 before disappearing from radar screens. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recovered the DVR (Digital Voice Recorder), one of the two black boxes, from the wreckage today. Aviation experts are examining several hypotheses, including issues with flap configuration and insufficient thrust, bird strike possibly causing engine power loss, or a rare dual engine failure. It was noted that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude and maintain a positive climb rate. Preliminary investigations are expected to be completed within 30 days. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is collaborating with the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the inquiry.

Boeing, manufacturer of the aircraft involved, stated it is in contact with Air India and is ready to provide full support to the investigations led by the Indian AAIB, in accordance with the protocol of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO, expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The company emphasized that this is the first accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The incident has reignited attention on previous 2024 whistleblower allegations concerning purported structural defects in the 787 Dreamliner, claims that Boeing has categorically denied. Following the incident, Boeing’s share value dropped by over 4%.