President Donald Trump has spoken out following the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff today (June 12).
Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, was en route to London Gatwick and was scheduled to land in the UK at 6:25 p.m. local time.
Tragically, the aircraft crashed into a residential area known as Meghani Nagar shortly after departing from Ahmedabad Airport. Authorities later confirmed that the plane struck a medical college hostel during the crash.
According to the airline, the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Initial reports from the police commissioner indicated that there were no survivors. However, officials have now confirmed that one man — identified as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh — survived the crash.
According to the BBC, around 204 bodies have since been recovered from the wreck site so far, police have said, however, it is unknown if they are all from the plane.
Now, the POTUS has touched on the horrific tragedy while speaking from the White House as he offered the nation’s assistance to the Indian authorities.
“Nobody had any idea what happened,” the 78-year-old Republican said. “It looks like it was flying just fine.”
He went on to state that he believed the tragedy is ‘one of the most worst crashes in aviation history’.
As well as Trump, various statements have been issued in wake of the tragedy, including the likes of Boeing, Gatwick and Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
President Donald Trump has offered the assistance of America to Indian authorities after hearing of the devastating crash (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Chandrasekaran said in a statement to Twitter: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families.”
Another statement from Tata Group, which owns Air India, was issued and credited to Chandrasekaran, where it said they would be providing the families of those on board $116,000, as well as covering the medical expenses of those who were injured.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, offered their ‘deepest condolences’ to the ‘the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad’.
They also confirmed that they will be deferring to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about the flight, according to The Independent.
