Several prominent world leaders reacted to the tragic Air India flight crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday, calling the accident 'heartbreaking' and 'devastating.' The Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport. Hours after the incident, it was confirmed that all passengers on board the flight were killed. The flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London. Meanwhile, several countries including Germany, China, Russia, and France expressed solidarity with India after the devastating incident.
UK PM Keir Starmer's reaction
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first world leaders to react to the tragedy. Reacting to the crash of the London-bound Air India flight, which had many British nationals on board, Starmer described the scenes as devastating and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," Starmer added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's reaction
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered "deepest condolences" to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. "Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the plane crash at Ahmedabad Airport," Putin said. "Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the crash," he added.
European Commission president's reaction
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen termed the incident 'tragic'. “Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain.
Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” Leyen said in a post on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India over the plane crash in Ahmedabad. He said that his thoughts are with the relatives of victims in India, the UK, Portugal and Canada. In a statement shared on X, Zelenskyy stated, "Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims' relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured."
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's reaction
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a statement on the Ahmedabad plane crash. He wrote, "I am saddened by the tragic accident of the Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families affected by this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy."
Air India plane crash
It should be noted here that an Air India plane AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport during takeoff on Thursday. The flight was carrying a total of 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The Air India flight was a Boeing 787-8 twin jet. According to the Police Control room, the Air India Flight AI 171 was bound for London. Thick plumes of smoke were seen at the accident spot, and fire tenders rushed to the spot. As per the information, the plane was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
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