Did PM Modi Visit the Air India Crash Site in Ahmedabad?

Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Air India crash site in Ahmedabad underscores the gravity of one of India's worst aviation disasters, where 241 people lost their lives. With a comprehensive investigation underway, the government aims to enhance aviation safety and prevent future tragedies, emphasizing the need for accountability and thorough examination.
Key Takeaways
- The Air India crash in Ahmedabad resulted in 241 fatalities.
- Only one passenger survived the tragic incident.
- The investigation is led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
- A high-level committee is being formed to enhance aviation safety.
- The Prime Minister expressed deep condolences and support for the victims.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to inspect the Air India plane crash site.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 individuals tragically crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
The flight, designated as AI-171 en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plummeted into a residential area near BJ Medical College, resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers on board.
Among the passengers were 230 individuals, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots.
Remarkably, one person—a passenger in seat No. 11A—survived the crash, officials reported. This individual is a British national of Indian descent who was seated in 11A and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The Prime Minister, who previously served as Gujarat's Chief Minister for a dozen years, conveyed his sorrow via his X handle on Thursday. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has left us devastated. It is profoundly heart-wrenching. My thoughts are with all those affected during this tragic time. I have been in contact with Ministers and officials who are assisting the victims,” he stated.
This incident is being regarded as one of the most severe aviation incidents in Indian history.
The government has initiated a thorough investigation into the calamity. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who rushed to the crash site from Vijayawada on Thursday, confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the inquiry.
“In response to the tragic event in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), adhering to international protocols specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Furthermore, the government is establishing a high-level committee composed of experts from diverse fields to delve into the issue. This committee will work towards enhancing aviation safety and preventing future occurrences,” the Minister shared on his X handle.
The AAIB, operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is India's designated body for investigating significant aviation incidents and aligns with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The unfortunate Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had sent out a distress signal moments before descending, and investigators are currently focusing on the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—commonly referred to as black boxes—to piece together the last moments of the flight.
Minister Naidu highlighted that the government's response will not be confined to standard procedures. A multidisciplinary high-level committee is being formed to explore the broader implications of the crash. This panel will include aviation safety specialists, engineers, air traffic control experts, and representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.