Trump Responds to Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Offers Support to India
Trump's Reaction to the Tragic Incident
President Donald Trump of the United States described the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as "terrible and horrific," extending his condolences and support to India. He characterized the incident as one of the most tragic events in aviation history. During a Bill Signing Ceremony on Thursday, Trump expressed his belief that India would manage the situation effectively, while also offering assistance.
Regarding the crash, Trump stated, "The plane crash was terrible. I’ve already informed them that anything we can do, we will. It’s a big and strong country, and I’m confident they will handle it. However, I let them know that we are ready to assist immediately. It was a horrific crash, and it appears that most passengers may not have survived, with only a few survivors reported. This was a dreadful incident, and we have no clear understanding of the cause yet. I provided them with some suggestions, mentioning that the plane seemed to be flying well without any visible explosions, suggesting a possible loss of engine power. This is indeed a tragic event, one of the worst in aviation history."
Details of the Crash
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Air India flight collided with a doctors' hostel located near the airport's perimeter.
Jaipal Singh Rathore, the Joint Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad, informed reporters, "After takeoff, the plane crashed into a building, specifically a doctors' hostel."
Survivor Found Amidst the Tragedy
A senior police officer confirmed that one survivor was located in the aftermath of the Air India plane crash that struck the nearby doctors' hostel shortly after takeoff. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik stated, "The police discovered one survivor in seat 11A. He is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment. We cannot yet confirm the number of fatalities, but the death toll may rise as the flight crashed in a residential area."
Passenger Demographics and Response
Air India reported that among the 230 passengers on board, there were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen.
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff. The flight departed at 1338 hours and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members aboard the Boeing 787-8. The injured are being transported to nearby hospitals, and we have established a dedicated hotline at 1800 5691 444 for further information. Air India is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident," the airline stated.
Flight Details and Emergency Response
The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. According to Air Traffic Control, the plane took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23 and issued a Mayday call, but subsequently failed to respond to further communications.
Immediately after departing from Runway 23, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, with heavy black smoke observed rising from the site of the accident.
Government and Police Response
In response to the tragedy, the Gujarat government has dispatched three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), consisting of 90 personnel, to assist with rescue operations at the crash site.
The Ahmedabad City Police has also set up an emergency helpline for those seeking assistance and information regarding the crash. They announced, "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash is 07925620359."