New Delhi, June 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words," PM Modi extended his condolences to the victims and their families and assured all possible support from the central government.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister stated, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."
The ill-fated Air India flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew.
Air India confirmed the details of the crash, stating, "Of the 242 onboard, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. A dedicated passenger information helpline — 1800 5691 444 — has been activated. Air India is fully cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation."
Emergency response teams have been deployed swiftly to the crash site near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad. According to officials, six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and two from the Border Security Force (BSF) are engaged in rescue and relief operations. Two NDRF teams have already reached the site, with four more en route. The BSF teams have been dispatched from their frontier headquarters to assist in the operation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also sent a special team to investigate the cause of the crash.
This devastating incident has sent shockwaves across the country, and rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety and recovery of all those affected.
