Air India Crash: Did a Viral Instagram Video Show a Survivor? Families Still Ask — Where Are They?

In the days since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad, a swirl of rumors, hope, and heartbreak has enveloped the families of the 158 people on board. Among the most talked-about developments is a viral Instagram video that appears to show a survivor amid the wreckage, sparking a wave of questions and demands for answers.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

On June 14, Air India Flight AI-171, en route from Delhi to Ahmedabad, crashed just two kilometers short of its destination. The accident claimed at least 38 lives, with dozens more injured and several still unaccounted for. As rescue teams worked around the clock, families gathered at the airport and local hospitals, desperate for news.

The Viral Video

Two days after the crash, a 45-second video began circulating widely on Instagram and other social media platforms. The shaky footage, allegedly shot by a local bystander, shows a young woman in a torn blue shirt crawling away from the burning fuselage, her face streaked with blood but clearly conscious. The caption reads: “She made it out! Praying for all survivors.”

Within hours, the video had been viewed over 3 million times, shared by celebrities and news outlets. Many viewers commented with hope and relief, believing it to be proof that survivors were still being found.

Official Response

However, Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have yet to confirm the identity or status of the woman in the video. At a press conference, Air India spokesperson Manish Gupta stated, “We are aware of the video circulating online and are working with authorities to verify its authenticity. Our priority remains the well-being of all passengers and their families.”

Meanwhile, local police say they have not yet located the individual seen in the footage. “We are reviewing all available evidence, including social media posts, to ensure no survivor is overlooked,” said Inspector Ravi Desai, who is leading the search operation.

Families in Limbo

For families of the missing, the video has become both a beacon of hope and a source of anguish. “We saw the video and thought maybe it was our daughter,” said Priya Singh, whose 22-year-old daughter, Asha, was on the flight and remains unaccounted for. “But no one can tell us for sure. We just want to know the truth.”

Other families have taken to social media, sharing photos and descriptions of their loved ones in hopes that someone might recognize them or provide information.

The Challenge of Identification

Rescue workers say the chaotic aftermath of the crash has complicated efforts to identify survivors. Many passengers were taken to different hospitals across Ahmedabad, some unconscious or unable to communicate. Others, suffering from shock, were unable to give their names.

Medical staff are working with authorities to match survivors with missing persons reports, but the process is slow. “We are doing everything possible, but it takes time,” said Dr. Meera Joshi, chief of emergency services at Ahmedabad General Hospital.

The Power and Peril of Social Media

The viral video highlights the double-edged sword of social media in times of crisis. While such footage can bring hope and galvanize public support, it can also spread misinformation and fuel confusion. Experts urge caution, reminding the public that not everything seen online is accurate or verified.

Where Are They?

As the search continues, families are left in agonizing uncertainty. Some cling to the hope that their loved ones are alive and waiting to be found. Others fear the worst but demand clear answers.

“We just want to know where they are,” said Rajesh Patel, whose wife was aboard the ill-fated flight. “We need closure.”

Conclusion

For now, the fate of those still missing remains unknown. Authorities promise to leave no stone unturned, but for the families of Air India Flight AI-171, every hour without answers feels like an eternity.