The Indian film industry, including veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, has expressed profound grief and offered heartfelt prayers following the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad. The crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The incident claimed the lives of 241 people on board, including passengers and crew members.
Amitabh Bachchan, deeply saddened by the news, shared his emotions on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote in Hindi, "हे भगवान ! हे भगवान ! हे भगवान ! स्तब्ध ! सुन्न ! ईश्वर कृपा ! हृदय से प्रार्थनाएँ ! (Oh God! Oh God! Oh God! Stunned! Numb! God's grace! Prayers from the heart!)". Bachchan's message reflects the shock and disbelief felt by many across the nation upon hearing of the devastating accident.
In addition to his social media post, Bachchan also addressed the tragedy on his blog, expressing that he was "most pained and filled with immense remorse." He extended his "empathy and support for the lives lost of our people, and across all nations and communities," hoping that "grief transform into solidarity in honouring lost lives." Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a "transparent investigation" to ensure sustained remembrance, resilience, and meaningful action, allowing for prompt lessons and healing for all those affected.
The Air India flight, which had 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and two pilots on board, crashed into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, igniting a massive fire. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. According to officials, only one passenger, a British national of Indian origin, survived the crash and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The news of the crash has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with numerous celebrities offering their condolences and prayers. Anupam Kher shared an emotional video expressing his sorrow, acknowledging the immense loss and pain inflicted upon the affected families. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and many others also took to social media to express their grief and offer support.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere surrounding the tragedy, a newspaper advertisement published on the same day as the crash depicted an Air India aircraft wedged in a building. The advertisement, intended to promote a Father's Day event, unintentionally mirrored the actual crash site, drawing attention and causing a chilling sense of unease among the public.
As the investigation into the crash begins, the nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for answers and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The words of Amitabh Bachchan and other prominent figures serve as a reminder of the shared grief and the importance of unity and support during this difficult time.
