PM Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash and assured full support to those affected in the tragedy.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, terming it “heartbreaking beyond words.” Taking to X, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences and assured assistance to those affected.
Modi said he has been closely monitoring the situation and is in constant communication with state authorities to provide every assistance to the victims of the fatal plane crash.
PM Modi condoles Air India plane crash
The Prime Minister termed the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words”, and said he is in touch with state ministers and authorities. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” PM Modi wrote.
Meanwhile, Air India confirmed that flight Al171, which was destined for Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline said the injured are being taken to the nearest hospital, adding that it has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. “Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” it added.
Ahmedabad plane crash
Earlier in the day, a London-bound Air India flight 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.
The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience, while the had 1100 hours of flying experience, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), adding that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from Runway 23, and gave a mayday call to the ATC. But after than, there was no response by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC, they said.
Almost immediately after departure from Runway 23, the aircraft crashed on the the ground outside the airport perimeter, and plumes of heavy black smoke were seen coming from the crash site, officials said.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also reportedly aboard the ill-fated Air India flight, as per reports.
(With ANI inputs)
