Ahmedabad plane crash: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says, 'Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today'
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Ahmedabad plane crash: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says, 'Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today'")
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Photograph: (AFP/X)
The plane, en route to London, had taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm IST.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (June 12) in a post on X sent his condolences after an Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner that was carrying 242 people from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed just moments after takeoff.
He said, “Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar also posted on X. He said, “Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.”
The plane, en route to London, had taken off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm IST.
The plane was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
In a post on X.com, Air India confirmed the crash. “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,” it said.
“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information,” it added.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, issued a "Mayday" call to Air Traffic Control shortly before the plane lost contact. A mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication. It indicates an imminent danger.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the situation. In a post on X, he said that the incident is ‘heartbreaking beyond words.’ He added that he has been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
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Air India changed its profile picture on its social media handles to black as a sign of mourning. On its website, Air India is carrying the flight number - AI 171 - in black with a black band.
