Ahmedabad Plane Crash: PM Modi Speaks To Aviation Minister, Directs Him To Ensure All Support

Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 16:13 IST

PM Modi asked Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to oversee rescue efforts at the Ahmedabad plane crash site, and ensure full support is extended without delay.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AFP file photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to take stock of the situation following the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport. PM Modi directed the minister to ensure all necessary support is extended without delay and asked to be kept regularly updated on the rescue and relief efforts.

According to an official statement, the Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to personally oversee operations on the ground. “All relevant agencies are on high alert and coordinated efforts are underway," the statement from the Office of the Minister of Civil Aviation said.

Later, expressing grief over the tragedy, the Prime Minister said the incident had left the nation “stunned and saddened." In a post on X, he wrote: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

The crash involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew, crashed shortly after take-off from Runway 23 at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM IST. The plane was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call moments after take-off but failed to respond to further communication from Air Traffic Control. It went down outside the airport perimeter, near the Meghani Nagar area, triggering a massive fire and thick plumes of smoke.

The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged around 1,100 hours.

Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, were rushed to the site immediately after the crash. While authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the accident, investigations are underway.

Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who, according to his office, was severely injured in the crash. Further details about his condition are awaited.

In a statement, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the incident and expressed condolences. “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI-171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said.

“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," he added. An emergency centre has been activated and a support team has been set up for families seeking information.

Karishma Jain

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar...Read More

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar...

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