Aircraft Crash in Ahmedabad Leaves Nation in Mourning; President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers from Various States Show Sympathy and Support
A Tragic Loss: Air India Crash in Ahmedabad Claims 279 Lives
A wave of sorrow cloaked the nation as an Air India flight bound for London met a devastating end just minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, identified as AI171, carried a total of 279 souls – 240 passengers and crew members, and 39 on the ground – in its final, fateful flight.
West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, echoed the sentiment of millions when she called the incident "heart-wrenching" and admitted being "profoundly shocked" by the loss. "The shattering news of the London-bound plane crash in Ahmedabad has gripped my heart. I am currently praying to the almighty for everyone's safety and well-being," she shared on X.
Samajwadi Party president, Akhilesh Yadav, too, voiced his sorrow, urging authorities for a swift explanation to allay concerns. "The tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad requires immediate clarity so that any doubts can be dispelled," he said while requesting the highest level of rescue, relief, and treatment efforts for the survivors.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed his pain and shock, offering prayers for the affected individuals. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray joined him, hoping and praying for the survivors.
Prime Minister Modi, a native of Gujarat, expressed his "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims and reassured everyone that support would be extended to the fullest. "The crash is an unbearable tragedy that has left us stunned and saddened. My thoughts are with each and every one impacted," he affirmed, joining other state leaders in offering condolences to the families.
Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, termed the tragedy as "extremely painful and shocking." She extended her sympathies to the victim's families and pledged to stand with them during this difficult phase. Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed concern and offered prayers for the well-being of all passengers and crew members.
India's President, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her distress at the catastrophe, expressing her solidarity with the grieving families and making a call for unity and strength during this trying hour.
Air India's Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, confirmed the accident, assuring support to the families of the victims and the emergency response teams. "Today's tragedy has left all of us shocked and devastated. Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the deceased and those who were injured," he said while announcing the activation of an emergency center and the availability of support teams for families seeking information.
Reports indicate that several injured passengers have been transported to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, with rescue teams continuing their operations at the crash site. As yet, the exact number of casualties remains unknown, with a DGCA-led investigation underway to uncover the truth behind the crash.
On the Horizon: Casualty Count, Cause, and DGCA Investigation Updates
The loss of life in this disaster has been immense, with preliminary reports suggesting a death toll of 279. Only a single passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen, is known to have survived. The identification process of the deceased is ongoing, with DNA matching being used due to the extensive damage sustained by many bodies. As of the latest developments, 19 victims have been formally identified.
In the quest for answers, the investigation into the crash is moving forward. The flight data recorder, also known as the "black box," has been recovered, and potential causes being considered range from dual engine thrust loss to pilot error, bird strike, and technical malfunction. The DGCA, along with other authorities, is conducting the investigation, aiming to determine the exact cause of the crash.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Aviation Minister has initiated heightened surveillance of Air India's Boeing 787 fleet to ensure stability and security. Insurers, such as SBI Life, HDFC Life, and ICICI Lombard, have also simplified their claim settlement mechanisms to provide financial aid to the victims' families. #PlaneCrash #AirDisaster #Tragedy #India #AirIndia
In the wake of this catastrophe, political leaders across India have expressed their condolences and extended support to the affected families. Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal's Chief Minister, termed the incident as "heart-wrenching," while Akhilesh Yadav urged authorities for clarification.
As the investigation into the causes of the Air India crash unfolds, various potential factors such as dual engine thrust loss, bird strike, and technical malfunction are under consideration. The DGCA, along with other authorities, is actively involved in the probe to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic incident.
