PM Modi meets lone survivor of Ahmedabad Air India crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad today, a day after the devastating Air India plane crash that claimed at least 260 lives, to personally take stock of the grim situation. During his visit, PM Modi met Vishwaskumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171, at the Civil Hospital. Ramesh, who was seated in seat '11A' of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew, was reportedly traveling to London with his brother. The Prime Minister also toured the crash site, where the wreckage of the aircraft remains, notably with parts embedded in the BJ Medical College's building into which it crashed.

Meanwhile, India has formally launched a comprehensive investigation into what has become one of the worst air tragedies in recent times. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with significant international assistance now joining the efforts. Both American and British investigation teams have been deployed; the US National Transportation Safety Board announced it would send investigators, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed a British team had also been dispatched to support their Indian counterparts.

In a show of global solidarity, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Wong conveyed his sadness, underscoring the widespread impact of the tragic incident. The ongoing investigation aims to ascertain the precise cause of the crash that occurred shortly after the London-bound flight departed Ahmedabad airport.