AHMEDABAD, June 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the wreckage of the Air India crash site at BJ Medical College, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner slammed into a hostel block, killing 241 people. The aircraft crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India.
Modi surveyed the destruction in Meghaninagar and was briefed by NDRF, aviation officials and local administrators. “The scene of devastation is saddening. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones,” he said after meeting emergency teams.
The Prime Minister later visited Civil Hospital in Asarwa, where dozens of injured—mostly students and staff from the hostel—are being treated. He spoke to Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old UK national of Indian origin, the sole survivor from the aircraft.
On social media, Modi wrote: “We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. Om Shanti.”
Investigation and Aid:
- The DGCA, along with international experts, is investigating the crash. Flight recorders have been recovered, but a technical malfunction is suspected.
- The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has pledged Rs 1 crore compensation per deceased passenger and will cover all medical expenses for the injured.
- The Gujarat government also announced additional financial aid for victims, especially the families of students and ground casualties.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut and a major blow to India’s civil aviation sector.
