Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has described the Ahmedabad plane crash as a “very tragic accident,” confirming a significant loss of lives, including foreign nationals.
The London-bound Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed into the residential quarters of doctors at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12. The aircraft went down in a densely populated neighborhood shortly after issuing a Mayday call.
“What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost many lives. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones,” Jaiswal said.
PM Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words”. Taking to X, Modi wrote, “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.”
Modi directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Ahmedabad and ensure that all possible assistance is extended to those affected by the crash of Air India Flight AI171.
