PM Modi Visits Air India AI-171 Crash Site, Meets Lone Survivor as Nation Mourns 241 Deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the wreckage site of the Air India Flight AI-171 disaster in Ahmedabad, where 241 people tragically lost their lives after the aircraft crashed into a medical college hostel. The Prime Minister stood beside the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, expressing both grief and resolve in the face of one of India’s worst aviation catastrophes in recent memory.

Crash Site: A Scene of Devastation

Modi toured the charred remains of the crash site in Meghaninagar, joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The scene—described as a “tableau of grief”—included fragments of the Dreamliner strewn across hostel grounds, with fire-blackened fuselage and debris still smouldering in parts.

The AI-171 Dreamliner had taken off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick when it abruptly crashed seconds later, striking a residential wing of the BJ Medical College hostel. All but one of the 242 people on board perished.

Visit to Survivor in Hospital

Following his inspection of the site, Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the crash. Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, is recovering from multiple injuries, including fractures, chest trauma, and lacerations.

Modi spent time speaking with doctors and hospital staff to ensure the survivor was receiving the best possible care. His visit was described as deeply emotional, with Ramesh reportedly recounting how his seat was flung free from the aircraft moments before the explosion.

High-Level Crisis Meeting at Airport

Later, the Prime Minister chaired an emergency meeting at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, joined by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, and senior aviation and disaster management officials. The discussion focused on salvage operations, support for victims’ families, and a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash.

Authorities are now prioritizing DNA identification, seat-number mapping, and counselling services for the bereaved.

Condolence for Former CM’s Widow

Modi is also expected to meet Anjali Rupani, widow of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the crash. His presence is seen as a signal of national solidarity in a time of unprecedented grief.

Call for Accountability and Reform

On social media, the Prime Minister described the scene as a “shocking reminder” of how quickly tragedy can strike. He emphasized the need for stringent aviation safety reviews, including possible aircraft redesigns and tighter regulatory enforcement, to prevent such disasters in the future.

With investigation teams still combing the crash site, Modi’s visit underlines the seriousness with which the central government is treating this national tragedy. As India mourns, pressure mounts on aviation regulators and Air India to deliver answers—and ensure this never happens again.