Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has confirmed that a close relative of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit chief Sunil Tatkare was among those who lost their lives in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
“A close relative of Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who was an air hostess, has died in the accident,” Pawar said while addressing a gathering in Buldhana.
Pawar expressed his condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in the devastating incident and assured that the Central government has ordered an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones…the plane crashed minutes after take-off. The Central government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. We will get to know the exact reason why this happened,” the Deputy CM added.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Air India Flight 171, crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has ramped up its emergency response operations at the crash site, with Inspector Vinay Kumar confirming the recovery of 81 bodies so far. Seven NDRF teams have been deployed to manage the situation. The ill-fated aircraft crashed into a resident doctors’ hostel building near the airport perimeter.
Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has formally launched an investigation into the accident in accordance with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” Naidu posted on X.
He further mentioned that the Indian government is setting up a high-level committee of experts from various fields to examine the crash and recommend measures to enhance aviation safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also preparing to dispatch a team of investigators to India to assist with the probe into the crash.
Air India Flight 171, operating on the Ahmedabad to London Gatwick route on June 12, 2025, was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has set up dedicated helpline numbers — 1800 5691 444 (within India) and +91 8062779200 (for international calls) — to provide information to concerned families and friends.
In a rare stroke of luck, one person, a British national of Indian origin, miraculously survived the deadly crash, the airline confirmed.
The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.
As per Air Traffic Control (ATC) records, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23 and issued a Mayday call shortly before crashing. Subsequent attempts by ATC to contact the aircraft went unanswered.
Eyewitnesses and officials reported thick black smoke billowing from the crash site outside the airport perimeter.
The Tata Group has announced financial compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each of the deceased passengers.