Ahmedabad Plane Crash: DVR Recovered, Gujarat ATS Investigates

India witnessed a devastating aviation tragedy on June 12, when Air India Flight AI-171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers. Only one person survived by jumping from the aircraft. The plane, a Boeing 787-8 en route to London Gatwick, carried 242 people, including 169 Indians and foreign nationals.

On June 13, Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recovered a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the debris at the crash site, which included BJ Medical College premises. The DVR, different from the black box or cockpit voice recorder, stores video data from aircraft systems and is vital for understanding what occurred in the moments leading to the crash.

The ATS is involved to probe all angles, including any possible sabotage or security lapse. While Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders provide instrument readings and audio conversations, the DVR will help provide visual evidence of onboard conditions before impact.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the central government received alerts within 10 minutes of the crash. Due to the plane’s large fuel load—over 1.25 lakh litres—and high temperatures, chances of survival were slim.

Rescue and identification efforts continue, with DNA testing for victims underway. The tragedy has triggered global responses and prompted discussions on improving aviation safety and rapid response capabilities.

#WATCH | Air India Plane Crash | Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "This afternoon, Air India flight AI-171 crashed and many passengers are feared dead. The entire nation is grieving and is standing together with the bereaved families... The central government… pic.twitter.com/HTy00BWNVy
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025