New Delhi [India], June 12 : Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight shortly after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport this afternoon, describing it as a "devastating human tragedy".
In a post on X, Vice-President Dhankar described the incident as "unfortunate" and shared his thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families.
"The unfortunate incident in Ahmedabad has left us confronting a devastating human tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united in solidarity with them," Dhankhar stated.
The Air India flight with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani area shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after it took-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter.
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw also conveyed his condolences on the incident, noting that he was "deeply saddened" over the tragic crash.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Thoughts are with families affected," Vaishnaw stated in a post on X.
BRS Working President and MLC KT Rama Rao also expressed his profound condolences on the incident.
In a statement, the BRS Working President said the incident was "deeply heartbreaking."
"The news of the crash and the loss of innocent lives, including passengers, local residents, and medics, is deeply heartbreaking. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident," he stated.
He also prayed for the people who lost their lives in the crsh and wished strength and courage to the bereaved families to cope with this immense loss.
He further urged the Central and Gujarat State Governments to provide the best possible medical assistance to the victims.
Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash.
According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground.
The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations.