Following the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday, the Irish leadership has expressed their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The crash, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, has prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathy from around the world, with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin and President leading the expressions of sorrow from Ireland.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin conveyed his heartfelt sympathies via social media platform X, stating, "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene." His words echoed the shock and sadness felt across Ireland upon hearing news of the disaster.
The Irish deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs, Simon Harris, also extended his sympathy “to all of those caught up” in the “very tragic and horrific” crash. “We think of all of them and their families in what is an evolving story, with no doubt, more information to come,” he told the Irish parliament.
The Air India flight, which departed from Ahmedabad Airport, had 242 people on board. Preliminary reports indicate that among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian citizen. The crash has triggered a large-scale emergency response, with rescue teams and emergency services working tirelessly at the scene.
Taoiseach Martin also drew a somber parallel to the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 disaster, which occurred off the Irish coast in 1985. He reflected on the enduring trauma associated with such tragedies, stating, “All of us who experienced that had a sense of trauma that people go through when crashes of this kind happen".
The Irish government has affirmed its readiness to provide any possible support to India during this difficult time. The sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach and President reflect the deep connection and solidarity between the people of Ireland and India, especially in times of tragedy.
