Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12: Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, several Bollywood celebrities have taken to social media to offer their heartfelt condolences and support to the victims and their families.
Shah Rukh Khan, deeply moved by the incident, shared his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Absolutely heartbroken with the news about the crash in Ahmedabad… my prayers for the victims, their families, and all affected.”
Actress Anushka Sharma also expressed her sadness, posting on her Instagram Story: “Saddened to hear about the plane crash today. Thoughts and prayers with the passengers and their families.”
Aamir Khan shared his condolences via his production company’s Instagram account. The message read, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred today. At this moment of profound loss, our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those affected. We stand in solidarity with the individuals, communities, and responders impacted by this devastating event. Stay strong India. Team AKP.”
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her pain over the incident, saying, “The news of the Ahmedabad plane crash is extremely tragic and painful. I pray to God for everyone’s safety, may God provide strength to all affected families in this hour of crisis.”
Actor Akshay Kumar also shared his shock and grief with his followers on X, posting, “Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time.”
The crash involved Air India Flight AI-171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers and crew on board. The incident occurred in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people aboard, including crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured passengers have been transferred to nearby hospitals, and the airline has set up a dedicated hotline for information.
The aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of flying experience, took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 pm IST (0809 UTC). Shortly after takeoff, the plane gave a mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) but stopped responding shortly thereafter. The plane reportedly crashed outside the airport perimeter, with heavy black smoke seen rising from the site.
This devastating tragedy has left the nation in shock, as families and loved ones await more information. The aviation authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash.