The North News
New Delhi, June 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, crashed just two minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Among those onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian.
Initial hospital reports suggest more than 100 fatalities, although no official confirmation has been issued. The aircraft reportedly struck the airport boundary wall before crashing into residential hostels for doctors near the Air Customs Cargo Office, triggering a massive fire and thick smoke visible across the city.
Emergency services, including fire tenders and ambulances, responded rapidly, with rescue and recovery operations continuing through the night. Authorities have launched a technical investigation into the cause of the crash.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who described the incident as “deeply distressing,” spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and assured full central support, including the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). A green corridor has been created to expedite the transport of the injured to hospitals.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated,” adding that the government is on the “highest alert” and that all aviation and emergency response agencies have been mobilised. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also offered condolences, calling the incident “deeply anguishing.”
Further updates are awaited from Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the investigation continues.
