Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad as a “regrettable accident” while extending heartfelt condolences to the families of all passengers and Air India crew members onboard.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah said, “It was a regrettable accident. Right now, it is not even known whether anyone on the ground, or any doctor or student, was killed. I want to express my condolences to the families of all those passengers and the Air India crew on that plane. We hope that the reason behind this accident is revealed as soon as possible. We can only hope that such an accident does not happen again.“
He also stressed the need for a quick investigation to uncover the exact cause of the tragedy.
The tragic incident took place on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. A total of 241 people died in the crash. The sole survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed on Friday the recovery of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), also known as the black box, from the rooftop of a building at the crash site. The AAIB has launched a full-scale investigation, with more than 40 officials from the Gujarat government supporting the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s probe team on-site.
The black box is considered a vital piece of evidence and will be thoroughly analysed to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Friday to meet the lone survivor and the other injured.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing also issued a statement on X, saying, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.“