Family of Air India victims speak out after they're 'stunned' by report explaining cause of devastating crash that killed 260

The families of the victims killed in last month's Air India crash have spoken of their shock at findings published in a preliminary report into the incident.

On 12 June, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner travelling to London Gatwick crashed less than a minute after taking off from Ahmedabad, in western India.

The flight, which was carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into accommodation belonging to a medical college in the city. One man onboard the flight was able to survive the crash while a further 19 people on the ground were killed.

A preliminary report into the crash - published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau - has now suggested it may have been caused by the jet's fuel control switches being turned off moments after take-off.

A preliminary report into the cause of the crash has been published (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The report revealed a portion of dialogue recorded on the aircraft's black box between pilots Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder, which revealed the pair were aware of the fuel switch being turned off.

Several relatives of the victims have now spoken to the BBC about their reaction to the report, revealing their dismay over the situation.

"The report mentions the pilots discussing who turned off fuel and a possible issue with the fuel control switch. We don’t know what that means? Was it avoidable?" asked Badasab Syed, who lost his brother, sister-in-law and their two children in the crash.

Meanwhile, Rafiq Dawood, who lost his 25-year-old son in the crash, said: "We don't know about the fuel switch or other technical details. The fact is that we have lost our son."

"Action should be taken against those responsible," added Ayushi Christian, whose husband Lawrence was killed on 12 June.

Responding to the report with a statement on social media, Air India said: "Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.

Families of the victims have since spoken out about the findings (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025."

The statement continued: "Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses.

"Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB."

"The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error," the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-I) said in a statement.

"ALPA-I categorically rejects this presumption and insists on a fair, fact-based inquiry."