"Deeply shocked": TN Chief Minister Stalin on Ahmedabad plane crash
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 12 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed profound shock and grief over the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, which had 242 people onboard.
The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, ramming into the doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area in Ahmedabad.
In a statement on X, Stalin said, 'Deeply shocked by the horrifying crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board. My thoughts are with everyone affected and the families of those on board. Hoping every possible effort is underway for rescue and relief.'
The incident has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders in Tamil Nadu.
DMK MP Kanimozhi echoed the Chief Minister's sentiments, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
'Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which claimed precious lives. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured and strength to all affected by this tragedy,' she stated in a post on X.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and actor-turned-politician Vijay also expressed his sorrow, saying, 'Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 people on board. Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.'
Earlier today, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national.
Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash.
According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground.
The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations.
Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. (ANI)
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