Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Ahmedabad Crash Site After Air India Tragedy Kills 241

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Friday, a day after the fatal Boeing 787-8 accident.

His visit came as part of efforts to assess the situation on the ground following the tragedy that killed 241 people, including 12 crew members.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Union Minister CR Paatil received PM Modi at Ahmedabad airport.

The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off.

The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots, went down in a residential area near BJ Medical College.

Of the 242 people on board, only one – a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A – survived.

The individual is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Prime Minister Modi, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 12 years, had expressed his sorrow on social media soon after the crash.

Taking to X, PM 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.”

Officials are calling the crash one of the most devastating aviation incidents in India’s history.

A comprehensive government-led investigation is now underway. Forensic teams have arrived at the scene to begin collecting and analysing evidence.

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 primary authority for investigating serious aviation incidents. It adheres to global standards outlined by the ICAO.

The doomed aircraft had issued a distress call moments before losing altitude.

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 added that the government is taking a comprehensive approach beyond routine procedures.

The high-level panel will include aviation safety experts, engineers, air traffic control specialists, and officials from the DGCA. Additionally, the group will assess systemic issues and propose long-term reforms.

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