PM Modi Visits Ahmedabad Site of Air India Crash That Claimed Over 260 Lives

Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 :

In the aftermath of one of India’s most devastating aviation disasters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday, expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to the bereaved families. The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 has claimed the lives of more than 260 individuals, making it India’s worst air disaster in nearly three decades.

A Scene of Unimaginable Devastation: Air India Crash

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport at 1:38 p.m. on Thursday. Out of the 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board, just one individual, Viswash Kumar Ramesh, lived through the crash, according to Air India.

On the ground, the plane plowed into the dining hall of a nearby medical school, killing at least five students.The total death toll exceeds 260, and authorities fear the number may rise as recovery efforts continue.

PM Modi’s Emotional Visit

Prime Minister Modi, visibly moved by the scale of destruction, toured the crash site on Friday morning. “Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met with rescue teams and officials who have been putting in continuous efforts post-crash. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy,” he shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter), along with photos from the visit showing him surveying the wreckage and speaking with officials.

In a follow-up post, Modi wrote, “We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The sudden and tragic loss of so many lives defies description and leaves the nation in deep sorrow. Condolences to all the bereaved families. Their pain is deeply felt, and the absence left by this tragedy will echo for generations. Om Shanti.”

Victims Include International Citizens and Public Figures

Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, Air India confirmed. One of the passengers on board was Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, whose name appeared on the confirmed passenger list provided by his party officials.

The sole survivor, 28-year-old Viswash Kumar Ramesh, remains in critical condition and is being treated at a local hospital. His brother, Nayan Ramesh, confirmed his identity, stating that Viswash was seated toward the rear of the aircraft, which may have contributed to his survival.