What a way to start the day, hearing that an Air India passenger plane crashed. The crash occurred in the vicinity of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The plane operated flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick at the time of the accident. On Saturday, January 21st, disruptions to the airport’s operation forced a temporary stoppage of all flight activity at the international airport. On this count, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has moved with urgency. He has directed state officials to start urgent rescue and relief missions to those who require assistance.
The crash has called into question not only the operational readiness, but the security preparedness of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to the airport’s spokesperson, that facility is “no longer in operation.” Over 17,000 daily flights are canceled as they struggle to bring a prototype to production. The Chief Minister laid stress on providing immediate medical help to the injured passengers.
It was Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel who first bragged about his directives on social media. He could not express enough sorrow and responded to the wreck with an appeal for a more immediate response.
“I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations in the accident and to make arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing,” – Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
The Chief Minister’s statements, above, underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis. They promise to provide those impacted with the medical treatment they need. Local authorities have activated emergency services and continue to work around the clock on the site of the derailment to care for those impacted.
Chairman of Air India, N Chandrasekaran confirmed the tragedy. He extended his sympathies and commended the response to the tragic events of flight AI 171.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” – Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran
National Transportation Safety Board investigators are investigating the cause of the crash. In the meantime, supporting survivors and their families continues to be the number one priority. Authorities will likely continue to issue updates as new information can be provided.