Ahmedabad (National Times): A day after the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in the Meghaninagar area and later met injured survivors undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
In an emotionally charged moment, PM Modi met Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of the crash that claimed 265 lives. Ramesh, who miraculously escaped with serious injuries, is currently being treated in the hospital’s C7 ward along with 25 other victims of the tragedy.
The Prime Minister spent nearly an hour at the hospital, offering comfort to the injured and their families. He also interacted with doctors and staff, reviewing the status of ongoing treatment and extending the government’s full support for medical care and rehabilitation.
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, crashing into the BJ Medical College complex. The crash site, located just outside the airport’s perimeter, became a scene of utter devastation as parts of the aircraft ripped through the medical hostel’s mess hall, killing five people on the ground, including four MBBS students and the wife of a resident doctor.
Among the 241 people killed on board, victims included 168 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian passenger. One of the prominent figures aboard was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose death was confirmed by authorities late Thursday evening.
Speaking at the crash site earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi called the incident one of the most tragic in recent memory, stating: “This is not just an accident; it’s a national tragedy. My prayers are with the families of those we lost. The government will do everything necessary to support them during this painful time.”
A high-level probe has been ordered into the crash, with initial reports citing a possible technical malfunction shortly after takeoff.
Emergency response teams, including NDRF units, continue to work at the crash site as investigators begin piecing together what led to one of the deadliest civil aviation disasters in Indian history.
The nation remains in mourning, as tributes and condolences pour in from across the world.
