Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Thursday expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad.
In an official statement, the CJI, along with the companion judges of the Supreme Court and Registry officials, extended sympathies and expressed concern for those injured and undergoing treatment at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital.
“During these difficult times, our thoughts and prayers are with them. May they find strength and solace in the support of their loved ones,” the CJI said.
Flight AI171 Crashes Minutes After Takeoff
The ill-fated Air India flight AI171 was en route to London Gatwick and had 242 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM on Thursday but crashed minutes later in the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
According to Air India, the flight was carrying:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian
- 7 Portuguese nationals
The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had clocked 1,100 hours. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 23, the aircraft issued a mayday call and lost contact with Air Traffic Control.
“Heavy black smoke was seen rising from the site,” said an airport official.
PM Modi Calls Incident “Heartbreaking Beyond Words”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the tragedy, terming it “heartbreaking beyond words.” He said he was in constant touch with ministers and local authorities and assured full support to those affected.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us… My thoughts are with everyone affected,” he posted on X.
Relief Operations Underway
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the crash site and launched rescue operations. Emergency services are working round the clock to recover victims and provide medical aid. Investigations are expected to be launched soon to determine the cause of the crash.
Air India has promised all possible support to the families of those on board and is cooperating fully with authorities.
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