President Donald Trump has addressed the Air India aircraft disaster which occurred after departure today (June 12).
Air India’s AI 171 flight, carrying 242 passengers, was destined for London Gatwick and was scheduled to arrive in the UK at 6.25pm local time this evening (June 12).
However, the aircraft plummeted into a residential district called Meghani Nagar following takeoff from India’s Ahmedabad Airport. Officials have subsequently confirmed that the plane crashed into a medical college hostel.
The airline stated: “Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
While the police commissioner initially indicated at the time that there were no survivors, officials have since verified that one man, who has been identified as British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash.
According to the BBC, approximately 204 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage site so far, police have stated, however, it remains unknown if they are all from the aircraft.
The POTUS has now addressed the horrific tragedy while speaking from the White House as he offered the nation’s assistance to the Indian authorities.
“Nobody had any idea what happened,” the 78-year-old Republican stated. “It looks like it was flying just fine.”
He continued to express that he believed the tragedy is ‘one of the most worst crashes in aviation history’.
In addition to Trump, various statements have been released following the tragedy, including from Boeing, Gatwick and Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
Chandrasekaran stated in a message to Twitter: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families.”
Another statement from Tata Group, which owns Air India, was released and attributed to Chandrasekaran, where it announced they would be providing the families of those on board $116,000, as well as covering the medical expenses of those who were injured.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, offered their ‘deepest condolences’ to ‘the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad’.
They also confirmed that they will be deferring to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about the flight, according to The Independent.