Condolences pour in for victims of Ahmedabad air crash
The country's leadership stood united in grief and expressed condolences for those who lost their lives when a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off.
President Droupadi Murmu in a post on 'X' said that she was deeply distressed to learn about the 'heart-rending disaster'. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,' she said.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also expressed his 'thoughts and prayers' for all those affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the tragedy had 'stunned and saddened' everyone. 'It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.'
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, also expressed 'deepest condolences' to the families of passengers and the inmates of the B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital affected by the crash. 'During these difficult times, our thoughts and prayers are with them. May they find strength and solace in the support of their loved ones,' said the CJI.
Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi said that the visuals from the crash site are most 'heart-wrenching'. 'The entire country is overtaken by grief and is praying.'
BJP president J.P. Nadda and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have directed their respective party workers to extend all possible help to those dealing with the tragedy. Mr. Kharge, in a post on X, said, 'It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.' Later, speaking to reporters, he said that the accident should be investigated. 'Was it the pilot's fault or the one who was tasked with providing information? All these things need to come out.'
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, said, 'The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment.' He urged the administration to provide urgent rescue and relief. 'Every life matters, every second counts,' he added.
Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal announced that all party-related events scheduled by State units and affiliated organisations would stand cancelled as a mark of respect to the victims of the tragedy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the country is anxiously waiting for details about the survivors.
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