A wave of sorrow swept across the nation after an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as AI171 and carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down in the Meghaninagar area near the airport around 2 pm.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the incident “heart-wrenching” and said she was "profoundly shocked" by the loss. “The crash during take-off of the London-bound plane has shaken and saddened me to my core. I am praying to God at this moment,” Banerjee said in an emotional post on X.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also expressed his grief and urged authorities to issue an immediate clarification. “There should be immediate clarification regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash so that all doubts can be eliminated,” he said, while also calling for the highest level of rescue, relief, and treatment for the victims.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted, “Pained and shocked to know about the Air India passenger flight incident at Ahmedabad airport. Praying for everyone’s safety.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray added, “Let’s hope and pray for them all.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, also reacted to the tragedy, stating, “It is heart-breaking beyond words. The crash has stunned and saddened us all.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the news “extremely painful and shocking.” In a post on X, she extended her condolences to the victims’ families and added, “We stand with full sensitivity with all the affected families.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also reacted, writing, “Deeply concerned by reports of an Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.”
Meanwhile, President of India Droupadi Murmu said she was "deeply distressed" by the tragedy. “It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,” she posted on X.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran confirmed the accident, stating, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–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 added, “Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are assisting emergency response teams and providing necessary care. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams are available for families seeking information.”
Several injured passengers have been taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, while rescue teams continue their operations at the crash site.
Authorities are yet to confirm the casualty count, and a DGCA-led investigation is expected.
