Ahmedabad/Seattle: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Ahmedabad to oversee the response to the devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash, which claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel moments after takeoff on June 12, 2025, leaving Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent, as the sole survivor.
Leading a high-level review meeting at Ahmedabad Airport, PM Modi coordinated with authorities to streamline relief and recovery operations. He visited the injured, including the lone survivor, pledging unwavering national support. “The entire nation prays for their swift recovery,” Modi shared on X. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams continue rescue efforts amid dense smoke, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probes the crash site, having recovered one black box.
In Seattle, Boeing issued a statement, saying, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders, and all affected.”
Modi paid tribute to Vijay Rupani, a long-time ally and Gujarat CM from 2016 to 2021, who perished in the tragedy. In an emotional X thread, Modi lauded Rupani’s humility, commitment to BJP values, and transformative policies that boosted Gujarat’s growth, particularly in improving ‘Ease of Living.’ “Vijaybhai’s absence is unimaginable,” Modi wrote, consoling Rupani’s family.
The crash, which killed 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, has sparked global mourning. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer termed the visuals “heartbreaking,” while Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu promised a meticulous inquiry. Air India has been directed to enhance its Boeing 787 fleet maintenance checks.
– global bihari bureau
