What Happened in the Ahmedabad Crash That Killed Two Manipuri Crew Members?
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Synopsis
The recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad claimed the lives of two young crew members from Manipur. This heart-wrenching incident highlights the profound impact on their families and the community, as tributes pour in from leaders across the northeastern states. Discover the tributes and the tragic details surrounding this devastating event.
Key Takeaways
- Two cabin crew members tragically lost their lives in the Air India crash.
- The flight was bound for London and had over 240 passengers.
- Local leaders expressed deep condolences and sorrow.
- The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
- Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily halted.
Imphal, June 13 (NationPress) Tragically, two cabin crew members from Manipur, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma (20) and Lamnunthem Singson (26), lost their lives in a devastating crash of an Air India flight bound for London. The aircraft, which had more than 240 passengers on board, went down shortly after departing from Ahmedabad Airport.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took to social media to confirm the unfortunate news about Sharma and Singson.
Singh shared on his social media account X: "It is deeply saddening to report that two young cabin crew members from Manipur, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson, were among the victims of today’s tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad."
He added, "Both were vibrant individuals, dedicated and proud in their service. Their untimely demise is a significant loss to their families, friends, and to all of us back home. May their souls find peace and may their loved ones gain the strength to endure this unimaginable sorrow."
Sharma was part of the Meitei community and hailed from Thoubal in Manipur, while Singson belonged to the tribal Thadou community from Kangpokpi district.
A relative of Sharma expressed their heartbreak in Imphal, stating that they attempted to contact her multiple times following the crash, but there was no response.
"Her phone was still on and ringing continuously," reported K Khenjita, a family member. Her last message before takeoff read, "I’m heading to London. We will be taking off shortly, and communication might be limited afterwards."
Sharma had been recruited by Air India during a recruitment drive in Imphal three years ago while she was pursuing her undergraduate studies.
"She was selected and was stationed in Mumbai," said her grieving family.
Both Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and former Chief Minister Singh shared their condolences over the tragedy.
"The Hon'ble Governor of Manipur expressed profound grief over the shocking aircraft incident during a flight from Ahmedabad to London. He has prayed for the quick recovery of all those injured in this tragic event," stated a message from the Raj Bhavan via X.
Chief Ministers from various northeastern states—Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma), Tripura (Manik Saha), Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu), Meghalaya (Conrad K. Sangma), Nagaland (Neiphiu Rio), and Mizoram (Lalduhoma)—also expressed their sadness over the accident through their posts on X.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), which was en route to London with 242 individuals onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members, crashed shortly after its departure from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Following the incident, flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily halted but resumed a few hours later.
Point of View
This tragic incident raises critical questions about aviation safety and the emotional toll on the families affected. The loss of such young lives from the northeastern region serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of unforeseen accidents. Our condolences go out to the grieving families and communities as we uphold our commitment to uncovering the facts surrounding this tragedy.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Air India flight crash?
The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by aviation authorities.
How many people were on board the flight?
The flight had a total of 242 people, including passengers and crew members.
What were the crew members' backgrounds?
Both crew members were from Manipur, representing the Meitei and Thadou communities.
What were the reactions from local leaders?
Local leaders expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy through social media and public statements.
Are flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport affected?
Yes, flight operations were temporarily suspended following the crash but resumed a few hours later.
