Live Updates: Over 200 Dead in Air India Crash, Official Says
June 12, 2025 | Updated: 8:45 PM IST
[New Delhi, India] — Tragedy struck the skies as an Air India passenger aircraft crashed during its descent into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai earlier today. Officials have confirmed that more than 200 people are dead in what is being described as one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.
What We Know So Far:
At approximately 3:42 PM IST, Air India Flight AI-212, a wide-bodied Boeing 777 en route from Dubai to Mumbai, disappeared from radar shortly before its scheduled landing. The aircraft reportedly lost communication with air traffic control just minutes before impact.
Emergency response teams were deployed within minutes to a crash site located near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the outskirts of Mumbai. Initial visuals from the site show the aircraft broken into multiple sections, with heavy fire and smoke visible in the early stages of the response effort.
Casualties and Survivors
According to Civil Aviation Minister Rajeev Kapoor, 231 passengers were on board, including 11 crew members. So far, 207 people have been confirmed dead, including both passengers and flight crew.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and 24 survivors have been pulled from the wreckage and rushed to nearby hospitals. Medical officials say that many of the injured are in critical condition, and the death toll may rise.
Among the dead are at least 19 foreign nationals, including U.S., U.K., and UAE citizens, according to initial reports. The Ministry of External Affairs has activated emergency helplines for families and foreign embassies have been notified.
Possible Causes
Though investigations are in the early stages, aviation experts speculate that severe weather and possible technical malfunction may have played a role. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing a fireball streak through the sky before the plane crashed.
“We’re looking into black box data, radar logs, and weather reports at the time of the incident,” said Anil Verma, Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “There were reports of low visibility and high turbulence in the Mumbai area at the time.”
A senior Air India official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the pilot had sent a distress signal moments before losing contact, suggesting an onboard emergency was in progress.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation this evening, expressing deep sorrow and pledging full support for the victims’ families. “India mourns with the families of the victims. We will ensure a full investigation and accountability,” he said.
The Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and multiple state and local agencies are involved in ongoing recovery and identification efforts.
A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident. Aviation safety bodies from the U.S. and Boeing have also been invited to assist in the probe.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents in the area near the crash site described terrifying scenes.
“There was a loud noise, like thunder, followed by a huge explosion,” said Ravi Mehta, a local shopkeeper. “We saw flames and black smoke rising from the trees. It was horrifying.”
Videos circulated on social media show the burning remains of the fuselage, with emergency workers battling fires and searching through debris.
International Reactions
Condolences have poured in from around the world. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UAE officials issued statements offering condolences and support.
Boeing released a brief statement saying they were “deeply saddened” and committed to working with Indian authorities in the investigation.
Air India’s Statement
Air India has expressed “profound grief” over the tragedy and has grounded its Boeing 777 fleet temporarily pending safety checks. CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the airline is cooperating fully with the DGCA and offering support to victims’ families.
A special helpline (1800-11-1717) has been established for concerned relatives.
Continuing Coverage
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available, including:
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Identities of the deceased and survivors
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Black box data analysis
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Weather conditions during descent
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Pilot experience and flight records
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Compensation and legal proceedings
