Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief after visiting the Air India AI-171 crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday, describing the devastation as “saddening” and extending his condolences to the families of the victims.
“Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy,” PM Modi posted on X.
A day after the tragic crash of AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, PM Modi reviewed the ground situation at the site and was briefed by officials. He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior administration members.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was received in Ahmedabad by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister CR Paatil, and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu. Following his site visit, PM Modi also visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet with the sole survivor of the crash.
According to airline authorities, the aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Only one person, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash.
The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. The flight departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST and issued a Mayday call shortly after takeoff. Moments later, the aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter, producing thick black smoke, officials reported.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also visited the crash site, confirmed the intense fire caused by the burning of 125,000 litres of aviation fuel left virtually no chance of survival. He stated that over 1,000 DNA tests are underway to formally identify the deceased.
“The plane carried nearly 125,000 litres of fuel. Due to the extremely high temperatures, no one could be saved. I personally visited the site,” Shah told the media.
He further shared that within minutes of the crash, he had informed the Prime Minister and coordinated with state and central authorities to initiate rapid rescue and relief operations.
A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) protocols. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu stated that a high-level expert committee would also be formed to recommend improvements in aviation safety.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also preparing to send a team to assist with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger. The airline has also activated emergency helpline numbers for assistance:
- India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
- International: +91 8062779200
The tragic crash has sparked nationwide mourning, and the government has vowed to ensure a thorough probe while offering continued support to the affected families.
