Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound sorrow over the Air India Flight AI171 crash, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.”
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
Modi visited the crash site and later met with the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who is receiving treatment at a local hospital. Ramesh’s survival is being described as a miracle amid one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving British nationals and the first major accident involving a Boeing 787.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said:
“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. I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
Air India confirmed the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick. The plane departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours before crashing into the premises of a nearby medical college.
The flight carried 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
