“Heartbreaking Beyond Words”: PM Modi Reacts as Over 100 Feared Dead in Ahmedabad Plane Crash

New Delhi: A major aviation tragedy struck India on Thursday afternoon as a London-bound Air India flight crashed into a densely populated residential area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Ahmedabad-Gatwick flight, carrying 242 people including passengers and crew, went down shortly after takeoff, triggering fire, chaos, and fears of mass casualties.

According to initial media reports, more than 100 fatalities are feared, with rescue operations underway in the Meghani Nagar locality where the crash occurred. Eyewitnesses described plumes of thick black smoke and flames engulfing buildings moments after the aircraft — identified as a Boeing Dreamliner — lost altitude.

Reacting swiftly to the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. In a post on X, he said: “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.”

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that an emergency response team has been deployed to the crash site, and an investigation into the cause has been initiated. The aircraft reportedly issued a mayday call moments before contact was lost.

The crash has led to suspension of all operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, with authorities urging passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the terminal.