An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on its way to London Gatwick, with all passengers feared dead. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, went down early Thursday, prompting a full investigation into the cause.
According to The Indian Express, which cited local police, the victims include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Authorities confirmed that no one on board survived.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and aviation officials have launched a formal inquiry.
The tragedy has sparked a wave of international condolences. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “deep emotion” over the incident and extended sympathy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the victims’ families. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it a “tragic” event and offered solidarity with the Indian people.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also conveyed their sympathies, highlighting the international impact of the disaster.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed sorrow over the loss of seven Portuguese citizens, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the crash as “absolutely devastating.”
The crash has sent shockwaves around the world, uniting leaders and citizens alike in grief over the profound loss of life.
