Mumbai — Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has described the recent Air India plane crash as one of the most devastating aviation accidents in India’s history and stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the cause.
“This was the biggest among aviation accidents,” Athawale said, referring to the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which claimed over 250 lives. “This was the first time we saw a sudden accident right after a takeoff.” The minister expressed deep concern over the failure of preventive checks despite standard safety protocols.
Speaking about aviation safety procedures, Athawale added, “Aircraft are carefully studied before takeoff, and this process often delays flights. This was a 9-hour-long international journey and should have undergone a thorough study of possible faults.” He emphasized that any lapse in routine inspections, technical assessment, or system alerts must be thoroughly investigated.
The minister also reiterated that while air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transport, incidents like this highlight the need for constant vigilance and enhanced safety practices. “A thorough investigation should be conducted in the matter to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
As families mourn the loss of loved ones, officials have confirmed that a high-level probe has already been ordered by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The government has promised complete transparency and swift action based on the findings.
