NEW DELHI: Initial probe into the 12th June Air India Crash (that claimed 290 lives) has revealed that the fuel supply to the London-bound plane’s engines was cut off resulting into the debacle.
According to the preliminary report: “In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.” The question is who flipped the fuel control switches? Terry Tozer, an aviation specialist, while commenting on the development, has asserted that there was some degree of human involvement in flipping the fuel control switches.
It may be recalled that Gatwick-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a mess (canteen) of medical students’ hostel within seconds of take-off from Ahmedabad Airport claiming lives of 241 passengers/crew and 49 people on the ground, (particularly the occupants of the batiment it hit).
Air India, taking to the X, informed that: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Tata Group, the owners of Air India, pledged $120,000 aid per family. Chairman of Tata Trusts Noel Tata held: “This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families and our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones today”.
Taking to the X, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, stated: “We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured. Tata Group will provide ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy.
“We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel. We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time.”
Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration No. VT-ANB), that took off from Ahmedabad Airport, was bound for Gatwick. Seconds later the aircraft sent May Day to controllers and crashed with 242 passengers/crew (including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and one Canadian) on board.
Hospitalised 40-year-old British citizen Vishwas Kumar (occupant of Seat 11A, returning to UK after a visit to Gujarat) is the only survivor of the crash. Incidentally, his brother Ajay Kumar too was travelling in the same flight. seated in a different row on the plane.
By means of its X handle Air India further informed: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
“Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
Manufacturers of the crashed avion Boeing (flagship long-haul aircraft 787-8 Dreamliner) stated: “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”
Prime Minister of UK, Keir Starmer took to the X to post: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Newspakistan.tv
