Filmmaker & former journalist Rahul Mittra reacts on the Ahmedabad plane crash on British TV
Former journalist and filmmaker Rahul Mittra, formerly with The Times of India, has spoken out emotionally following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
Mittra appeared live on GB News, offering a heartfelt reaction to the unfolding tragedy that has shocked the nation and the Indian diaspora abroad.
“The aircraft took off and then almost immediately came down and crashed,” Mittra said, his voice heavy with emotion. “The time between take-off and the crash appears to have been very, very short.”
The Boeing flight, bound for London Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it crashed in the Meghaninagar area, just minutes after departure. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden loss of altitude followed by thick, black smoke billowing from the crash site — a harrowing scene visible from miles away.
Mittra, known for his sharp journalistic insight and deep connection to national events, called for calm and compassion in the wake of the incident.
“I just hope and pray that the number of casualties on the ground is not as high as feared. There’s already been a tragic loss of life, and we can only hope there are no further casualties.”
He also emphasized the urgent need for coordinated rescue efforts and clear communication from authorities.
“It’s going to be an uphill task now for the state administration and everyone involved in the rescue operations. Securing the safety of those on the ground is critically important. Communication is everything in moments like these.”
Mittra’s words were especially poignant when he spoke about the loved ones waiting at the other end of the journey.
“Just imagine the relatives at Gatwick Airport, or those who dropped off loved ones and hadn’t even reached home when this news broke. To hear and process something like this is unimaginable.”
“This tragedy is enormous. It’s absolutely shocking.”
As a voice of reason and empathy in difficult times, Rahul Mittra continues to remind us of the human cost behind the headlines. His response not only captures the horror of the crash but also the deep emotional wound left on families, both in India and abroad.