Air India Crash in Ahmedabad: PM Modi Meets Injured, Reviews Relief Efforts

India has launched a formal investigation into the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad on Thursday—one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history.

The aircraft, operating Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff, plowing into a nearby medical college hostel in a fiery explosion.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

While official casualty figures are yet to be released, Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that only one person out of the 242 onboard—230 passengers and 12 crew members—survived. Ahmedabad IG Vidhi Chaudhary reported a death toll of at least 260, indicating that additional fatalities occurred on the ground. At least 50 hostel residents were injured in the crash.

As of Friday morning, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had recovered 81 bodies from the wreckage, with seven specialised teams deployed to the crash site. Eyewitnesses described seeing a massive fireball and plumes of black smoke engulf the sky moments after the crash.

Investigation Underway, Global Support Arrives

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has formally launched a probe into the incident. In a sign of international cooperation, both the U.S. and U.K. have dispatched teams to support the investigation.

• The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that it is sending investigators to assist Indian authorities.

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that a U.K. investigation team has also been deployed.

The Indian government has formed a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to examine the incident and propose measures to bolster aviation safety.

PM Modi, Amit Shah Respond to the Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ahmedabad on Friday and may visit the crash site. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level review meeting with key officials, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers C.R. Patil, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and Muralidhar Mohol.

Shah directed officials to expedite rescue, identification, and repatriation efforts. He assured full government support, including DNA identification, family assistance, and return of remains to next of kin.

Tata Group and Air India Issue Support Measures

Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has launched a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444; from abroad: +91 8062779200) to assist families of passengers. The Tata Group announced ₹1 crore compensation for the family of each deceased victim.

Flight AI171 was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen at the time of the crash.

Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani, confirmed government sources.

Global Condolences

U.S. President Donald Trump called the crash “terrible and horrific” and offered full support to India in its response and investigation.