A pall of grief has descended upon Ahmedabad following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, leaving behind a scene of devastation and loss. The crash claimed the lives of at least 265 people, with only one survivor found amidst the wreckage. The disaster has sent shockwaves across the nation and the world, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support.
Among those expressing their profound sorrow is Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited. In a statement released shortly after the news of the crash broke, Ambani conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. "Nita and I, along with the entire Reliance family, are deeply pained and anguished by the grave loss of life caused by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad," he stated. "We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident."
Reflecting the sentiment of corporate India, Reliance Industries has pledged its full support to the ongoing relief efforts. "In this hour of grief, Reliance extends its full and unwavering support to the ongoing relief efforts and stands ready to assist in every possible way," Ambani affirmed. The company's commitment underscores the collective resolve to aid those impacted by the tragedy and contribute to the recovery process.
The Air India crash has not only resulted in immense loss of life but has also left a trail of destruction on the ground. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area near the airport, specifically impacting the hostel building of B J Medical College in Meghaninagar. The impact resulted in fatalities on the ground, including medical students, exacerbating the scale of the disaster. The Indian Medical Association Gujarat has confirmed the deaths of three MBBS students, with dozens more hospitalized.
The victims of the crash included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Among the lives tragically cut short was that of Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who was on his way to London to visit his daughter.
In the aftermath of the crash, rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deploying multiple teams to the site. As of Friday morning, 81 bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, according to NDRF Inspector Vinay Kumar. The rescue efforts have been challenging due to the intensity of the fire that erupted following the crash, fueled by the aircraft's substantial fuel load. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The investigation will aim to determine the factors that led to the tragic event and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline to provide information and support to affected families. The airline's CEO, Campbell Wilson, expressed deep sorrow and affirmed the airline's commitment to supporting the passengers, crew, and their families. The Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash, demonstrating their commitment to providing assistance during this difficult time.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel and the importance of stringent safety measures. As the investigation unfolds and the recovery process continues, the focus remains on providing support to the victims' families and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
