Air India Crash: PM Modi calls Ahmedabad tragedy 'heartbreaking', says he's in constant touch with authorities

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said he has been in constant contact with Union ministers and local authorities to ensure swift assistance to those affected by the crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad.

“Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” the prime minister posted on social media platform X. “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,” he added.



PM Modi’s message came shortly after he directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to travel to Ahmedabad and take stock of the rescue and relief operations.

Both ministers are expected to work closely with state officials, central agencies, and Air India’s crisis response teams.

Six NDRF teams deployed for rescue

As part of the emergency response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has moved a total of six teams to the crash site. Three teams, comprising around 90 personnel, have already been deployed from Gandhinagar, while three more are en route from Vadodara.

The teams are engaged in rescue operations, locating survivors, and helping manage the disaster zone.

Firefighters, ambulances, and local emergency services have also been deployed in full strength to contain the situation and evacuate the injured.

What happened: Dreamliner crashes after mayday call

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating on the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 1:39 pm on Thursday.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar. It carried 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members.

“As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Runway 23 and gave a MAYDAY call, but no further communication was received. It crashed outside the airport perimeter, and heavy black smoke was observed rising from the site,” the DGCA said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion near Meghaninagar, followed by a massive fire, likely intensified by the aircraft’s full fuel load for the international journey.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, and no official confirmation on casualties has been provided yet. Air India has set up an emergency response centre and support teams to assist passengers' families and will continue to provide verified updates through its official channels.