PM Narendra Modi visits Ahmedabad air crash site

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Air India flight AI 171 crash site in Ahmedabad to assess the situation first-hand. He met with officials and emergency response teams working in the aftermath of the disaster.

The prime minister condoled the loss of numerous lives in the tragic air accident in Ahmedabad. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the immense pain and loss they are enduring.

In separate posts on X, PM Modi said: “We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”

“Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy,” he added.

Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. Of the 242 aboard, there were 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is being treated in a hospital. The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national.

On Thursday evening, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site. "There was around 1.25 lakh litres of fuel on the aircraft. The temperature was also very high because of which there was no chance to save anyone," Amit Shah told reporters.

The Home Minister also held a meeting with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and senior officials to review the relief and rescue operations.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Union Home Minister said that the entire nation is shocked by the unfortunate incident involving Air India flight number AI-171, and all citizens of the country stand in solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Shah said that on behalf of the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Prime Minister, he expresses deep condolences to all those who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, Air India has set up Friends & Relatives Assistance Centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gatwick airports to provide support and take care of the needs of the families and loved ones of those on flight AI171. These centres are facilitating the travel of family members to Ahmedabad, the airline said.