PIB Declares Viral Message On AI-171 Crash Investigation Fake

Fact Check: A message claiming to be a preliminary investigation report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 is currently being circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

However, the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check) has officially debunked the message, declaring it entirely false and misleading.

The crash, which occurred on 12 June 2025 in Ahmedabad, is still under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other official bodies.

In the meantime, the unverified message has generated confusion and alarm among users.

PIB Issues Clarification

Responding promptly to the viral message, PIB Fact Check took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public clarification. The post read:

“A #WhatsApp message, claiming to be a preliminary report on the crash of Air India Flight AI-171, is circulating widely. #PIBFactCheck: This message is #Fake, Always rely on official sources for accurate information”

This warning aims to curb the spread of misinformation, especially at a sensitive time when authorities are still working to determine the exact causes of the crash.

Authorities urge caution

Government officials have stressed the importance of not forwarding unverified messages or engaging in speculation.

In cases involving public safety and national aviation protocols, the spread of false information can lead to unnecessary panic and even disrupt ongoing investigations.

The DGCA, along with aviation safety experts, is currently conducting a comprehensive examination of the incident.

No formal report has been released thus far, and the process is expected to involve black box analysis, technical assessments, and expert reviews.

In the wake of tragic events like plane crashes, government agencies often face the dual challenge of managing emergency response while countering widespread misinformation.

Fake messages not only undermine public trust but also risk obstructing official rescue, legal, and investigative processes.

Officials have appealed to citizens to exercise digital responsibility by relying solely on verified sources such as PIB Fact Check, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA updates.

Authorities recommend relying on recognised news agencies for accurate updates on such matters.

As the AI-171 investigation progresses, the government will share any confirmed findings through official channels.

Officials urge citizens to avoid spreading or believing speculative narratives that could disrupt the investigation or create unnecessary panic.

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