In the aftermath of the tragic Air India flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, relatives of the victims gathered at an emergency center to provide DNA samples for identification purposes. Ashfaque Nanabawa, who was searching for his cousin Akeel Nanabawa and his family, recounted the last phone call he had with his cousin before the flight. One woman, too distraught to reveal her name, shared her grief over losing her son-in-law.

Volunteer rescuers at the crash site described a devastating scene with bodies burnt beyond recognition. The crash occurred in a densely populated residential area of Ahmedabad, causing widespread destruction. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has offered support to Air India in the wake of the crash, which is reported to be the first involving a 787 Dreamliner.

India's aviation authorities have instructed Air India to conduct additional maintenance on its fleet of Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliners with GEnx engines. Both UK and US air accident investigation agencies are sending teams to assist in the investigation.