AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — A day after the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 that claimed 241 lives, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad to visit the site and meet the sole survivor. The crash now ranks among the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
Modi landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport early Friday and headed straight to the crash site in Meghaninagar. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior officials joined him. He also visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor, who continues to receive treatment.
Ramesh, a good 38-year-old British national of Indian origin, sat near an emergency exit in seat 11A. Police said he escaped the burning aircraft by jumping out. It’s still unclear whether he jumped before or after the plane hit the ground. From his hospital bed, Ramesh recalled the horrifying moments. “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran,” he said. “There were pieces of the plane everywhere. Someone grabbed me and rushed me to the hospital.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, took off from Ahmedabad at around 1:30 PM on Thursday. Thirty-three seconds later, the pilot issued a Mayday distress call. The plane then crashed into the BJ Medical College residential complex, killing many and causing extensive destruction. The crash killed at least five medical students and several residents.
Later that day, Modi held a high-level review meeting at the GujSail building near the airport. Officials briefed him on rescue efforts, medical response, and early findings. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had launched a formal probe.
Air India confirmed the passenger list: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The airline set up helplines and coordinated with authorities to support victims’ families.
Visuals from the crash site showed charred debris and rescue teams carrying away the injured and deceased. A forensic team remained at the site on Friday to gather more evidence.
In a message posted on X, Modi wrote, “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. Om Shanti.”
The disaster has reignited nationwide discussions about aviation safety, pilot readiness, and infrastructure accountability. While investigators continue to examine the causes, early theories include possible bird strikes and engine failure.
India grieves as the country seeks answers and justice following this immense tragedy.
