Federal and state leaders have joined in expressing Australia’s condolences after the crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, which killed 241 people on board and at least 28 on the ground. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the dead, along with dozens of medical students who were inside a residential hostel struck by the aircraft.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters in Adelaide that she had exchanged messages with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to convey Australia’s sympathy. “This is heartbreaking, and I know I speak for all Australians,” she said. “Our thoughts are with all affected, including our good friends in India, the United Kingdom, and other countries.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly, standing alongside Wong, acknowledged the loss being felt within Australia’s Indian and South Asian communities. “This is a devastating loss, with ripples across multicultural communities in Victoria, New South Wales, and elsewhere,” she said. “We stand ready to support anyone affected here.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also issued a statement, noting the strong connection between Victoria’s Indian diaspora and the tragedy. “The Air India crash is a heartbreaking tragedy – and I know many in Victoria’s Indian community will be feeling it deeply,” she wrote. “Last night, I reached out to the Indian Consul General and the High Commissioner to offer our heartfelt condolences and support.”
Allan added a personal note, reflecting on her recent experience with the airline. “I flew with Air India during my recent visit. The crew were warm, thoughtful and full of care – my heart goes out to them too, and to the entire Air India family.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm local time on 12 June, headed for London Gatwick. It crashed shortly after take-off, striking the B.J. Medical College hostel in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. The only survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was seated near an emergency exit and escaped with minor injuries.
Air India has confirmed the total number of fatalities at 269 and stated it is cooperating fully with Indian aviation authorities. The airline has also activated a helpline for families.
Early footage and expert commentary suggest the aircraft may have suffered a stall at low altitude, with visible indicators pointing to incomplete flap deployment and landing gear that remained extended. Aviation analysts have proposed possible errors in take-off configuration, including thrust settings and speed calculations. The aircraft’s black box and cockpit voice recorder were recovered Thursday night and are being analysed.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This is the first fatal crash involving the model since its commercial launch in 2011.
As recovery operations continue and investigations progress, Australia’s leadership—from federal ministers to state premiers—have reinforced their commitment to supporting the Indian community during a time of grief.
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