Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives In Ahmedabad To Visit Air India Crash Site

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to visit the site of the devastating Air India plane crash.

On Thursday afternoon, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.

The aircraft plunged into a residential area near BJ Medical College after leaving Ahmedabad airport.

The flight carried 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots.

Officials confirmed that the only survivor — seated in 11A — is a British national of Indian origin, now receiving treatment at a local hospital.

PM Modi, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 12 years, expressed his sorrow on social media.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi posted, “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. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

Authorities have described the crash as one of the worst aviation disasters in the country’s history.

The government has, however, launched a formal investigation into the accident.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu visited the crash site on Thursday. He confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the inquiry.

Taking to X, the Minister posted, “Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”

“Additionally, the Government is constituting a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines to examine the matter in detail. The committee will work to strengthen aviation safety and prevent such incidents in future,” the post read.

The AAIB, operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is India’s official body for investigating serious aviation incidents and follows ICAO standards.

The ill-fated flight issued a distress call moments before crashing.

Investigators now aim to recover the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes. These will help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.

Minister Naidu further stressed that the government’s approach goes beyond standard procedure.

A high-level panel comprising aviation experts, engineers, air traffic control officials, and members of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation will, however, examine the incident’s wider implications.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Air India Crash Triggers High-Level Probe; Focus On Safety Overhaul