Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 minutes after takeoff. There were 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner as it made its way to London Gatwick. But at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the plane crashed soon after takeoff without ever leaving the runway.
The plane slammed into the mess area of a medical college hostel, and it killed many of those aboard and several on the ground. Officials reported 265 bodies recovered by late Thursday. This accident shattered the families and left the city in grief.
MAYDAY Call Before Crash
According to the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation), the pilots made a MAYDAY call, a direct emergency lifesupporting call upon takeoff. But after that, the aircraft ceased responding to Air Traffic Control.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik initially reported that nobody survived. But by chance, one man Ramesh Viswashkumar, approximately 40 years old was discovered alive in the crash. His medical status is critical.
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Confirmed Among Victims
The death of Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, on board as he was on his way to visit his family in London was among the biggest surprises.
There were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens when the plane was on board. Losing Rupani, a big loss, was a big setback for Gujarat.
Gujarat Minister Visits Rupani’s Residence
Raghavji Patel, the Agriculture Minister of Gujarat, was seen visiting Vijay Rupani’s residence to offer sincere sympathies to his bereaved family. His death added to the deep sadness that has swept through the state.
PM Modi Chairs Emergency Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Ahmedabad and held an important meeting with top ministers and officials. They talked about rescue efforts, finding out who lost their lives, and helping the families affected.
PM Modi described the accident as “unimaginable and heartbreaking.” Having gone to the crash site, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The devastation is unthinkable. Our thoughts are with all those families who have lost someone.” He also guaranteed total support and a thorough investigation into the accident.
PM Meets Survivor, Victims’ Families
PM Modi also went to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He met with the sole survivor, Ramesh Viswashkumar, and inquired about others who were injured in the crash. His visit was some solace at this moment of agony.
International Aid & Visits
British High Commission officials arrived in Ahmedabad, as some of the victims were British citizens. Anjali Rupani, wife of Vijay Rupani, was seen at the airport mourning in silence.
NIA Inspects Crash Site
An NIA team arrived at the crash site to support local police and scan for foul play. While the cause is yet unknown, investigations are underway.
India remains immersed in this sad loss. AI171’s crash has made a dent that will never heal soon.