Ahmedabad plane crash: PM Modi visits crash site, takes stock of situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the site of the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged into a medical college hostel block, killing 241 people.

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Modi surveyed the wreckage at BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar area, where the aircraft crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

He was briefed by officials from the National Disaster Response Force, aviation authorities and local administrators.

"The scene of the devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones," Modi said.

The Prime Minister then visited the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, where many of the injured—including students and staff from the hostel—are being treated.

He talked to survivors, including 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only person to survive the crash from on board the aircraft.

On social media, Modi posted: "We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. Om Shanti."

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the tireless efforts of emergency responders, many of whom worked through the night amid the burning debris and crumbling structures.

A multi-agency investigation led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, with support from international bodies, is under way.

Flight recorders have been recovered, but the cause -- suspected to be technical malfunction -- remains unconfirmed.

The crash marks one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters involving a single aircraft and is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service.

The Tata Group, which owns Air India aviation company, has pledged Rs 1 crore in compensation for each deceased passenger's family and is committed to covering all medical costs for the injured.

The Gujarat government has announced additional aid for the ground victims and their families, including students and staff affected by the hostel collapse.