Following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson have all arrived in the city to assess the situation and offer support. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area near the airport, resulting in a devastating scene and claiming the lives of 241 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. One passenger miraculously survived the crash.
Prime Minister Modi's arrival underscores the government's commitment to addressing the aftermath of the disaster. He is expected to meet with the sole survivor, individuals injured in the crash, and families of the victims at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Modi will also assess the crash site and review the preliminary findings of the ongoing investigation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the crash site, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, among other officials. Shah met with the Chief Minister to obtain detailed information about the incident. Expressing his condolences, Shah noted the extreme challenges faced by rescue teams due to the intense heat generated by the approximately 125,000 liters of fuel the plane was carrying. He stated that the exact number of fatalities would be confirmed following DNA tests, with approximately 1,000 tests needing to be conducted.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson's presence in Ahmedabad signifies the airline's commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy. He visited the crash site to assess the damage and affirmed Air India's dedication to providing accurate and timely information to the families of the victims, prioritizing their needs during this difficult time. Wilson emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation and focusing on verified details as the investigation progresses.
The crash of AI171 has prompted a swift response from various agencies. Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police units, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed multiple teams to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also involved in the investigation, adhering to international aviation safety protocols. Additionally, teams from the US and UK are being sent to assist with the investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and raised questions about air travel safety standards. Preliminary reports suggest the plane crashed shortly after takeoff, impacting a residential zone in the Meghaninagar area. Eyewitness accounts describe a massive fire following the crash, intensified by the aircraft's heavy fuel load. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are examining various factors that may have contributed to the tragedy, including potential engine failure or technical malfunctions.
The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Both Boeing and GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, have offered their full support to the investigation. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg cancelled plans to attend the Paris Airshow to focus on the investigation and support the Air India team.
