PM Modi Visits Crash Site as India Mourns AI-171 Tragedy
India is reeling after the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 265 people, including 12 crew members and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The flight, en route to London, crashed just moments after takeoff. Only one person survived.
On June 12, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner began lifting off from Ahmedabad. Suddenly, the plane nosedived and struck a doctors’ hostel, damaging the building and claiming more lives on the ground.
The Indian Medical Association (Gujarat) confirmed the deaths of three MBBS students and reported 45 injuries. Many of the injured are still fighting for their lives in hospitals across Ahmedabad.
PM Modi’s Immediate Visit and Emotional Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ahmedabad early on June 13. He visited the crash site, consoled grieving families, and later met injured survivors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
Sharing his grief on X, PM Modi wrote, “Heartbreaking loss beyond words. The country stands firmly with the families.”
He also led a high-level meeting at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport with top officials:
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Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
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MoS Murlidhar Mohol
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Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel
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State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi
Rapid Response: NDRF Teams Work Around the Clock
Rescue workers acted swiftly. Six NDRF teams, led by Hariom Gandhi, began clearing debris and recovering bodies. The Gujarat Police secured the area to assist operations. A forensic team soon joined to begin investigations.
One survivor, rescued from the tail section, remains in critical care. PM Modi personally visited the ICU to speak with doctors and offer support.
Shockwaves Across the Nation
The loss of senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani shook the political landscape. His wife, Anjali Rupani, arrived in Gandhinagar accompanied by state ministers.
Condolences poured in nationwide. Mukesh Ambani, other industrialists, and political leaders paid tributes online. Citizens held candlelight vigils across Gujarat.
Ahmedabad locals described the impact. “It felt like an earthquake,” said one resident. “People rushed outside. The scene was terrifying.”
Initial Reports and Legal Implications
Authorities believe a mechanical failure caused the crash, although the DGCA has launched a formal inquiry. Boeing engineers from the U.S. have joined Indian investigators.
Under the Montreal Convention, each victim’s family is eligible for ₹1.5 crore compensation. The Tata Group, Air India’s owner, pledged an additional ₹1 crore per victim.
Travel Disruptions and Airport Advisory
In response, Ahmedabad Airport issued travel advisories. Flights experienced delays, and security increased across terminals. Travelers are urged to stay updated via official airport channels.
India Demands Answers and Safer Skies
This tragedy has renewed calls for improved aviation safety in India. Many urge the DGCA to enforce stricter maintenance checks and require updated pilot training.
Lawmakers now want reforms that prioritize passenger safety and crisis preparedness. The AI-171 crash serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake.
For a detailed timeline and early coverage of the incident, read our in-depth report on the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that claimed 242 lives.