By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, June 12, 2025: The Catholic bishops of India on June 12 joined world leaders to express “deep grief and profound sorrow” over the crash of an Air India plane earlier in the day.
The plane bound for London crashed immediately after take off from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, western India, killing 242 people onboard. However, later reports said one passenger escaped death after jumping off the plane.
The plane crashed on top of the dining area of state-run B.J. Medical College hostel, killing many medical students as well.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this devastating accident. Our prayers are with them in this hour of immense grief and loss,” said a press statement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
The bishops also prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of all who have been wounded in the crash.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and with all the rescue personnel working tirelessly at the crash site,” added the statement issued by Father Robinson Rodrigues, the conference’s public relations officer.
The bishops have urged the Catholics in the country “and all people of goodwill” to join their prayer for the victims of the tragedy.
“Let us turn to God, our source of hope and consolation, and intercede for our brothers and sisters affected by this terrible disaster,” the statement added.
Meanwhile Indian President Draupadi Murmu called the incident a “heart-rending disaster.”
“I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,” the president said sharing her thoughts on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “stunned and saddened” by the tragedy in Ahmedabad. “Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” he assured.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes from the Air India crash “devastating.” “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” he said.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the incident deeply distressing.
“My thoughts are with the family & friends of those on board the Air India flight—I can only imagine how devastating this must be,” he wrote on X. Khan said that he is in close contact with the government and Indian High Commission.
Among the passengers 169 were Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, media reports said. The lone survivor, Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, is a British national of Indian origin.
Among the dead was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Federal Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu went to Ahmedabad to personally monitor the situation. All agencies have been directed to respond swiftly,” he posted on social media. Rescue teams and fire engines were sent to the site immediately after the crash.
Federal Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was “pained beyond words” by the incident. “Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation,” he wrote on X.
Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.
It was the first crash for the Dreamliner, which began flying commercially in 2011, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.