Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the aftermath of the horrific Air India plane crash that killed 241 people. The AI-171 Boeing Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, slamming into the BJ Medical College campus in Meghnani Nagar. Only one person onboard miraculously survived.
PM Modi first visited the crash site, where the wreckage of the aircraft still hung from the college building. Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Prime Minister inspected the debris and reviewed the response efforts with officials on the ground.
Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister posted:
"Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams who worked tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy."
He further expressed deep sorrow, writing:
"We are all saddened by the air crash in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. We understand the pain of the families and know that the emptiness left behind will last for years."
Following the site visit, PM Modi went to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where the injured were being treated. Among them was the sole survivor, 40-year-old Kumar Vishwas — a British citizen of Indian origin — who is currently being treated for injuries to his chest, legs, and eyes. Despite his condition, Vishwas was able to speak with the PM and recounted the moments before the crash: “About 30 seconds after takeoff, there was a loud explosion, and then everything went dark.”
The Prime Minister also met other injured individuals caught in the destruction caused when the aircraft crashed into the hostel building of the medical college.
The ill-fated AI-171 took off at 1:38 PM on Thursday with 242 passengers and crew, including 10 staff and two pilots. The crash claimed the lives of nearly everyone on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
This tragic incident stands as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history. Rescue operations continue as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.
