Chandigarh / Ahmedabad | June 12 — Political leaders across the spectrum expressed deep sorrow over the crash of an Air India flight near a residential area in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which claimed multiple lives. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the incident as “heart-wrenching” in a post on X. “A passenger plane crashed near a residential area during its flight. The images of smoke and destruction are extremely disturbing,” he said.
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also extended his condolences. “Deeply saddened by the news of the air crash. My prayers with those affected and their families,” Kejriwal wrote.
According to Air India, the flight to London Gatwick included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
Among the opposition voices, Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa offered prayers for those onboard and strength to grieving families. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring added: “Extremely shocked & saddened… Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured & hoping for everyone’s safety.”
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar called the crash “painful beyond words” and extended his sympathies: “In this sad hour my heart goes to those affected by this tragedy.”
Former Punjab chief minister and senior BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh posted: “Shocked to learn about the tragic Air India flight incident. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Hoping for the safety and wellbeing of every passenger and crew member.”
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said he was “devastated” by the incident and prayed for the safety of all those on board.
Jakhar also noted the reported deaths in the crash, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, describing the loss as “immense.”
Official confirmation of the casualties and the cause of the crash is still awaited as rescue operations continue at the crash site in Meghaninagar.
