Ahmedabad police chief says 'appears to be no survivor' in India air crash
AHMEDABAD, (India): Police in the Indian city of Ahmedabad said no survivors were expected after a London-bound passenger plane with 242 on board crashed Thursday (June 12), warning of more deaths where the jet smashed down.
"There appears to be no survivor in the crash," city police commissioner GS Malik told AFP.
"And since the airplane has fallen on an area which was residential and had some offices, there are more casualties as well". He did not give further details of those killed on the ground.
- Photo: Reuters
Meanwhile, more than 100 bodies are being taken to a hospital in Ahmedabad following the Air India plane crash, reports Reuters, citing local police.
The crash occurred during take-off with 242 people on board.
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation says Ahmedabad Airport is now available for flight operations from 4.05pm (6.35pm Malaysian time) onwards.
'Flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care,' the ministry says in a post on X.
Air India has announced a one-time waiver for those who want to reschedule or cancel their flights to or from the city.
The waiver applies to tickets issued up to June 12, for flights between June 12 and 14.
Passengers can reschedule such flights without incurring any fees or fare differences. Cancellation charges will be waived for those who want to cancel their flights.
Air India advises affected customers to contact its customer support team for further assistance.
In London, the UK's King Charles III said he was "desperately shocked" by Thursday's air crash in India, sending "prayers and deepest possible sympathies" to the families of those affected.
"My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning," the monarch wrote on Instagram, calling it a "heartbreaking and traumatic time".
- Photo: Reuters
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the Air India plane that crashed after taking off from Ahmedabad with 242 people on board.
The FAA says in a statement on X that it is ready to launch a team in coordination with NTSB, which is an independent US government agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation.
Dr Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission – the European Union's executive body – says in a message on X: 'My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.
'We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.' - Agencies
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