Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed profound grief over the tragic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people, including passengers and crew members.
The premier conveyed his condolences through a post on X, stating: “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.”
Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 12, 2025
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.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also expressed sorrow on the social media platform, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 12, 2025
PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif offered his sympathies, remarking: “My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.”
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.
— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also posted a message of condolence on X: “Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.”
Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people on board, including passengers and crew, crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday with at least one survivor reported so far. It is being described as the worst aviation disaster in a decade.
According to reports, the aircraft came down in a densely populated area, crashing into a medical college hostel outside the airport around lunchtime. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency teams rushed to the site.
Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration "VT-ANB", where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India. Photo: Reuters
Air India confirmed that the flight was en route to Gatwick Airport in London. The airline said the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. Two pilots and 10 cabin crew were also among the dead.
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which produced the 787 Dreamliner, said in a statement it was “working to gather more information” and stood ready to support Air India in the aftermath of the crash.
Photo: Reuters
A source close to the investigation said this was the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body, fuel-efficient aircraft that can carry up to 330 passengers and is considered the flagship of Boeing’s long-haul fleet.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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