A tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad has claimed the lives of at least 265 passengers and crew, making it one of India’s worst aviation disasters. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning.
Officials reported that the plane caught fire mid-air before plunging into a residential area near the airport. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the fire had already engulfed much of the wreckage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site later in the day, offering condolences and promising full support to the victims’ families. He also met with rescue workers and local authorities to assess the ongoing recovery efforts.
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Emergency response and investigation launched
As details emerge about the Air India crash Ahmedabad, authorities have launched a high-level probe to determine the cause. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the black box had been recovered. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will lead the technical investigation.
Initial reports suggest a possible technical failure, though sabotage has not been ruled out. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) team said they lost contact with the plane three minutes after takeoff. Local residents said they heard a loud explosion before flames erupted.
The Gujarat Disaster Response Force (GDRF), along with NDRF units, conducted a massive search operation throughout the day. Dozens of injured residents were moved to nearby hospitals, with several in critical condition.
PM Modi meets families, assures all support
During his visit to Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi addressed the media at the Gujarat Secretariat. He said, “This is a national tragedy. My prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. The nation mourns with you.”
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹10 lakh for the families of each deceased passenger. Injured victims will receive up to ₹2 lakh based on the severity of their condition. Modi directed the state government to ensure all support reaches the affected people quickly.
Additionally, he asked for a detailed safety audit of all Air India international operations in the coming weeks.
Nation mourns, airport services resume with caution
Flight services at the Ahmedabad airport were briefly halted but resumed late evening with heightened security. Passengers faced long delays as the aviation ministry imposed strict inspection protocols. Counselling desks have been set up for families arriving to identify the victims.
President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, and other political leaders extended condolences. Tributes poured in on social media, with #AirIndiaCrash trending nationwide.
A public memorial will be held in Ahmedabad next week. Meanwhile, flags were flown at half-mast across Gujarat to honour the dead.
The Air India crash Ahmedabad has left the country in shock and mourning. With 265 lives lost, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for constant vigilance in aviation safety. Prime Minister Modi’s visit and swift action reflect the urgency with which the government is treating the crisis.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, the nation stands united in grief and support for those affected by the disaster.
