PM Modi Visits Crash Survivors in Ahmedabad; Probe into Air India Tragedy Begins

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet survivors of the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed 241 lives. The visit came a day after the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport en route to London Gatwick.

The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots—crashed into a residential complex near BJ Medical College on Thursday afternoon. Of all on board, only one passenger, seated in 11A, survived. The survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Upon arrival in Ahmedabad, PM Modi went directly to the crash site to assess the damage before heading to the hospital. He was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Union Minister C.R. Paatil. Modi interacted with the injured and reviewed their medical care with hospital staff.

Expressing deep sorrow, the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected. I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are assisting those affected.”

Authorities have described the crash as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history. A high-level investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the probe, saying: “A formal investigation has been initiated by the AAIB. Additionally, the Government is constituting a high-level committee with experts from multiple fields to examine the matter and recommend ways to enhance aviation safety.”

A team of forensic experts has reached the crash site to begin evidence collection. Investigators are focusing on the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—commonly known as black boxes—to reconstruct the final moments before the crash.

The government has pledged to ensure a thorough investigation and implement all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.