Union ministers and India Inc on Thursday expressed shock at the crash of the London-bound Air India flight and extended heartfelt condolences to the family members of passengers on the ill-fated flight. A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Many people are feared to be killed. (needs to be updated)

“Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers for all families and friends of those on board the flight,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post on the social media platform X. Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, too, expressed grief at the tragic accident. “Extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” said Scindia, also a former Civil Aviation Minister.

Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways Nitin Gadkari said his thoughts and prayers are with everyone on board and their families. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Disaster response forces are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected,” he wrote on X.