Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site of a terrible plane accident in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff. The crash killed 241 people, making it one of the worst air disasters in India in recent years.
This Breaking News has shocked the country and made headlines around the world. The Prime Minister flew to Ahmedabad on Friday and reached the crash site directly from the airport to assess the damage and support rescue efforts.
PM Modi Visits the Crash Site
PM Modi arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport and then went to Meghaninagar, where the crash happened. He was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The Prime Minister, who had earlier been Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 12 years, expressed his deep sorrow on social media platform X. He wrote, “This tragedy is heartbreaking beyond words. I am in touch with ministers and officials to make sure all help is being provided.”
What Happened in the Crash?
The Air India Flight AI 171 was heading from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport. Just after takeoff, around 1:30 PM on Thursday, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a residential area near BJ Medical College.
The crash caused a massive fire and thick black smoke filled the sky. Only one person survived—a British national of Indian origin. Officials confirmed that 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian were on board.
- The plane hit a building where doctors and medical students lived.
- At least five medical students were killed in the crash.
- The pilot had sent out a ‘Mayday’ distress call to Air Traffic Control, indicating a major emergency.
Possible Cause of the Crash
Aviation experts are closely studying the available visuals and data. They believe the crash may have happened due to a bird strike that possibly damaged both engines. This might have stopped the engines from giving enough thrust or power needed to keep the aircraft in the air.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
- The pilot was Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flying hours.
- The co-pilot was Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of flying experience.
Despite this experience, the plane went down quickly and burned on impact.
Government Response and Investigation
This tragic crash has triggered quick actions from the central government. On Thursday, Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also visited the site.
A high-level investigation committee has been formed to find out what exactly caused this terrible accident.
The government has also made arrangements to support the families of the victims and help in the recovery process.
National and Global Reaction
The news of the crash has created sorrow not just in India but around the world. Families are mourning the loss of their loved ones, and airlines are under pressure to improve flight safety. This is also another serious incident involving a Boeing aircraft, which puts more attention on the company’s safety record.
