Inspects crash site, hospital, offers condolences
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad on Friday, a day after a devastating Air India plane crash claimed the lives of more than 240 people. However, quoting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai, ”media reports said that 265 bodies had reached the hospital.” News reports also said that the dead included five MBBS students.
“Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams are working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy,” the Prime Minister said in a post on his social media handle X.
The plane, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, Thursday crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff, killing almost everyone except one on board. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the dead.
“The aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, killing 241 people on board. There were 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots on the flight. One person — the passenger of seat No. 11A — survived the crash,” reports said, quoting officials.
As per reports, the passengers included 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. As regards their nationality, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Ahmedabad at 0830 hrs, went straight to inspect the crash site, after which he visited the Civil Hospital, where the injured are receiving treatment.
He was accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Civil Aviation Minister K R Naidu, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, and Director General of Police Vikas Sahay.
“We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.
During his visit, PM Modi met with the only survivor of the crash, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national, who is currently being treated at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
The PM also interacted with the injured persons and enquired about their condition. Modi had earlier expressed shock and grief over the crash, stating: “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.”
The government has been working to assist those affected by the tragedy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the crash site and hospital on Thursday, assessing the situation and providing support. Shah mentioned that the temperature from the burning fuel was so high that there was no chance of saving anyone. The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash.
Though the cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained, the rescue operation was swift, with emergency services responding within 10 minutes of the incident. As the city recovers from the tragic event, PM Modi’s visit aims to provide support and condolences to the affected families.
Agencies