Tragedy Strikes: EU Mourns Lives Lost in Ahmedabad Plane Crash
EU Flags at Half-Mast in Solidarity
New Delhi: In a gesture of mourning, the European Union's delegation in New Delhi has lowered its flags to half-mast, expressing solidarity with India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal in the wake of a tragic plane crash.
The passenger list revealed that the flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, shared on her X account: "The flags at our EU office in New Delhi are at half-mast today in remembrance of the victims of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Europe stands in solidarity with India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal. This tragedy impacts us all."
This incident marks one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history, as Air India Flight AI-171, which was headed to London, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in over 200 fatalities.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board, fell into a doctors' hostel linked to BJ Medical College in the densely populated Meghaninagar area around 1:38 PM, just minutes after its departure.
Herve Delphin, the Ambassador of the EU to India, also expressed his condolences on X: "The flag is lowered to half-mast in memory and respect for all citizens of India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal who lost their lives in this tragic Ahmedabad plane crash. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families and the people of India during this time of sorrow."
The crash ignited a significant fire, with thick smoke visible throughout the city. Emergency services, including fire brigades and teams from the National Disaster Response Force, quickly arrived at the scene.
Rescue operations extended late into the evening, with authorities confirming the recovery of 204 bodies.
Among the passengers, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh survived and is currently receiving medical treatment. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the deceased, reportedly traveling to London to visit family, as confirmed by Union Minister CR Patil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, describing the tragedy as "heart-breaking beyond words."
He has instructed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to manage the relief efforts on-site. Both ministers are collaborating with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who has initiated the establishment of a green corridor to facilitate medical assistance.
Air India has announced special relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad for the victims' families. The Tata Group, which owns the airline, has committed Rs 1 crore in compensation for each affected family and will cover all medical expenses for the injured.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with preliminary reports indicating that the aircraft made a distress call shortly before losing altitude.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a comprehensive inquiry. Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport are currently suspended. Europe and India unite in mourning this shared tragedy.