Modi, Starmer Express Shock Over Air India Crash with 242 On Board

NEW DELHI, June 12 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sorrow on Thursday over the crash of a London-bound Air India flight shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“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. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Modi posted on X.

Air India Flight AI171, carrying 242 people, crashed in the Meghaninagar residential area shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India’s western state of Gujarat, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

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The airline said the aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, along with two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating,” saying on X; “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

Images released by India’s Central Industrial Security Force showed the wreckage of the aircraft embedded in buildings in the densely populated area.

Rescue and relief operations are under way, and the injured have been taken to hospitals.

No official casualty figures have been released.

However, local broadcaster NDTV reported that the plane struck a medical college hostel, killing at least five students and injuring several others, who are now receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU