Ahmedabad, June 13 (UNI) In the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a high-level meeting with top officials to review investigation and relief efforts.
Modi, who reached here early morning, has been closely monitoring the situation constantly since the accident left 241 passengers dead and several injured.
The Prime Minister met emergency response teams and officials at the disaster site, and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones. He was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Nair, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and several senior officials, conducting a thorough assessment.
Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash, emphasising that the entire nation is in shock. He said that the incident has left everyone devastated.
On social media platform X, Modi shared several messages, stating, “The plane crash in Ahmedabad has left us all in shock. The sudden and heartbreaking loss of so many lives is beyond words. My heartfelt condolences go out to all the grieving families. We share their pain, and the emptiness created will be felt for many years. Om Shanti.”
He added, “Today, I visited the site of the accident in Ahmedabad. The scene was tragic. I met officials and teams working tirelessly since the incident. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”
Modi, after inspecting the scene, had proceeded to the hospital to meet the injured and check on their condition. The Prime Minister also met Ramesh Vishwas, the only survivor of the crash, and inquired about his health. He also checked on the well-being of other injured individuals.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday afternoon when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down just two minutes after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers, including 12 crew members. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The passengers included 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Ramesh Vishwas, a British citizen of Indian origin, is the sole survivor and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Besides those onboard, at least 24 people, including four medical students, were killed on the ground, as the plane crashed into the hostel building of the B J Medical College in Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad. Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information.
Home Minister Amit Shah who visited the site last evening to review the situation has asked for a probe into the incident. A high-level committee has already been set up to oversee the inquiry.
UNI AJ PRS