New Delhi [India], June 12 : Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Thursday extended condolences to the victims and their families after a London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.
In a post on X, HD Deve Gowda said, "The plane crash in Ahmedabad is a terrible tragedy. Deeply shocked and saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were on the Air India flight. May God help us."
Air India confirmed that flight AI171, which was destined for Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy wished for the speedy recovery of those who were involved in the crash incident.
"The crash of Air India flight AI-171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London, has left me deeply shocked and disturbed. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. I pray that all those who survived and are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital make a full and speedy recovery," Kumaraswamy wrote on X.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed sympathy with the families of the victims.
"I am devastated by the tragic Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. My heartfelt prayers are with all the passengers and crew onboard. While we await official updates, I pray and extend my deepest sympathies to the families during these tough times. May they find strength and support during these anxious times," he wrote on X.
Former Andhra Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy also expressed grief over the plane crash incident.
"I am deeply shocked to know about the tragic crash of Air India AI-171 flight with 242 passengers near Ahmedabad airport. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of passengers, crew members and casualties at the crash site. I pray for strength and healing for everyone affected by this devastating incident," he said.
Meanwhile, Boeing said on Thursday that it is in contact with Air India regarding the AI-171 flight with 242 passengers and 12 crew bound for London's Gatwick airport which crashed shortly after it took off in the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad.