Abu Dhabi [UAE], June 12 (ANI): Leaders and diplomats from around the world are expressing deep sorrow after a London-bound Air India flight (AI-171) carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner collided with a doctors’ hostel near the airport perimeter, triggering a massive blaze and thick plumes of smoke. Authorities have confirmed one survivor, who is currently hospitalized, while the final death toll remains unknown due to the crash site being in a densely populated residential area.
Global Condolences
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, stating on X, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident in Ahmedabad today… we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those affected.”
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra conveyed similar sentiments, writing, “On behalf of the people and Government of Thailand, I extend our heartfelt condolences to PM @NarendraModi and all those who suffered loss in this tragedy.”
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he was saddened by the tragedy and extended sympathy to the bereaved families, while Finland’s PM Petteri Orpo directed his condolences to both PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer, as the crash claimed victims of multiple nationalities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was heartbroken over the incident, stating the US is closely monitoring the situation and stands with emergency responders.
Condolences also poured in from Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, who wished a swift recovery to the injured; Austrian Ambassador to India Katharina Wieser, who expressed shock and extended Austria’s sympathies; the Taliban-led Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Afghan Consulate in Mumbai, who conveyed condolences to the Indian government and victim families; and EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin, who announced the EU flag in India was lowered to half-mast to honor the victims from India, the UK, Portugal, Canada, and other EU nations.
Crash Details
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that only one survivor has been found so far and warned that the death toll could rise, given the aircraft crashed in a populated area.
Air India released a detailed statement:
“The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
The airline confirmed the aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. After taking off from Runway 23, the aircraft issued a Mayday call, but ceased all communication shortly thereafter. It then crashed outside the airport perimeter.
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline — 1800 5691 444 — to assist families seeking information.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy black smoke from the crash site as emergency crews rushed to the scene. The incident is under investigation by aviation authorities and Air India, with support from international agencies, given the multinational nature of the passengers.
As the world mourns, India braces for the full extent of the tragedy to emerge in the coming hours. (ANI)
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