KKN Gurugram Desk | A tragic aviation disaster unfolded near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday when an Air India flight AI-171 carrying 242 passengers crashed near the Meghaninagar area. The catastrophic incident has resulted in the loss of over 200 lives, leaving the entire nation in mourning.

On Friday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad to assess the situation on the ground and met with the sole survivor of the crash at the Civil Hospital. Rescue operations continued through the night amid the wreckage scattered near BJ Medical College, where the aircraft ultimately crashed.

 Ahmedabad Plane Crash – What Happened?

On June 12, 2025, at approximately 9:20 PM IST, Air India Flight AI-171, a long-haul flight en route from Dubai to Ahmedabad, attempted to land amid what is being described as unstable weather conditions and low visibility. The aircraft reportedly lost control during its final approach and crashed near BJ Medical College, striking the hostel’s dining hall.

Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene as the plane erupted into flames, with debris scattering across a densely populated area. Emergency response teams were deployed within minutes, but the impact and subsequent fire made rescue efforts extremely challenging.

 Death Toll and Casualties

According to official sources, over 200 bodies have been recovered from the site so far. The Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad stated that chances of finding additional survivors are extremely slim due to the magnitude of destruction.

Medical students present in the hostel dining area, along with residents nearby, are believed to be among the deceased. Many bodies are still being identified as authorities begin the grim process of forensic analysis.

🇮🇳 Prime Minister Modi Visits Crash Site and Hospital

In a show of urgency and compassion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad early Friday morning. He first visited the crash site to assess the damage and speak with NDRF and local authorities about ongoing operations.

Later, PM Modi went to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met Ramesh Biswas, the only known survivor of the incident. Reports indicate that Ramesh was seated at the rear of the plane and was thrown clear from the fuselage before the explosion. He is currently in stable condition but under intensive observation.

The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow and promised full support for the victims’ families. “This is a dark day for the nation. Every life lost is a national tragedy,” he told the press.

Tributes Pour In from Across the Country

Among those mourning the loss are national leaders, celebrities, and people from across India and abroad. One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Manipur’s former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who confirmed the deaths of two young cabin crew members from Manipur.

“These were vibrant, dedicated souls who served with pride. Their sudden loss is deeply personal not just for their families, but for the entire state,” he posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The crew members were identified as Kongrabelatpam Ngantoi Sharma and Lamanunthem Singson, both in their 20s.

Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba also paid his respects, praying for peace for “two bright stars from Manipur who left us too soon.”

 Crash Site: BJ Medical College Building Severely Damaged

The BJ Medical College campus, located adjacent to the crash zone, suffered significant structural damage. The wreckage of the aircraft’s tail section was found hanging from one of the hostel blocks, according to official statements. The crash disrupted electricity and water supplies in the surrounding area, making rescue even more difficult.

More than a dozen medical students were believed to be inside the dining hall at the time of the crash, prompting state officials to call for a full investigation into the building’s safety protocols and emergency preparedness.

 Rescue and Investigation Underway

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire department, and Gujarat police teams are currently leading the rescue and recovery operations. Heavy equipment has been deployed to clear the debris while forensic teams work to identify the remains.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that technical failure or weather may have played a role, but black box data and ATC communication logs will be critical in determining the exact cause.

Public Reactions and Social Media Support

Hashtags like #AhmedabadPlaneCrash, #AI171, and #PrayForAhmedabad trended nationwide as citizens shared condolences, support messages, and frustration over aviation safety concerns.

Many users also questioned whether Air India had performed necessary maintenance checks and whether weather alerts were properly communicated to the pilots. Civil aviation authorities are expected to release an official preliminary report within 72 hours.

 Government Support and Compensation

The Gujarat state government, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has announced compensation for the victims’ families. A dedicated helpline has been set up for relatives seeking information on passengers.

PM Modi has directed the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to expedite financial assistance and has assured that all medical and legal support will be extended to the survivor and families of the deceased.

The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad stands as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. As the nation reels from the tragedy, authorities continue to search for answers. The loss of innocent lives, including bright young students and dedicated crew members, has shaken the country to its core.