PM Shehbaz, top leaders express grief over deadly crash of Air India flight bound for London
Pakistan on Thursday extended heartfelt condolences to India following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of over 200 passengers and crew. At least one survivor has been reported so far in what is being described as the worst aviation disaster in a decade.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. Our condolences go out to the bereaved families grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed the sentiment, posting:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad. Our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all on board. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”
PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif also conveyed his sympathies:
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This tragedy transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.”
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered his condolences in a statement on X:
“Saddened to learn of the tragic crash of an Air India flight carrying around 240 people near Ahmedabad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of India and the families of the victims.”
The ill-fated London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and a crew of 12, went down shortly after takeoff. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a medical college hostel in a densely populated area near the airport around lunchtime, sparking a chaotic emergency response.
Wreckage bearing the aircraft registration “VT-ANB” was visible at the crash site, with rescue operations ongoing.
Air India confirmed that the aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport, London, and described the event as a tragic day for the airline and the aviation community.
US-based Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, said it was working to collect more details and would assist Air India in the aftermath of the crash. A company spokesperson confirmed this is the first recorded crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft widely used for international travel.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
