Following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his condolences and offered assistance to India. The crash involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, flight AI171, which was en route to London's Gatwick Airport. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, impacting a residential area and a medical college hostel, resulting in a devastating scene.
Trump, speaking to reporters, described the incident as a "horrific crash" and "one of the worst in aviation history." He stated that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to India during this difficult time. "Anything we can do, we'll be over there immediately," Trump affirmed, highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries. While acknowledging India's capabilities in handling the situation, he reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to assist in any way possible.
In his remarks, Trump also speculated on the potential cause of the crash. He noted that the plane appeared to be "flying pretty well" and did not seem to have experienced an explosion. He suggested the possibility of engine failure, saying, "It just looked like the engines maybe lost power." However, he emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine the definitive cause of the accident.
The crash has prompted widespread শোক and grief, with leaders from around the world expressing their condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as "heartbreaking beyond words" and stated that his thoughts are with everyone affected. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, which operates Air India, conveyed his condolences and affirmed the conglomerate's commitment to assisting with emergency response efforts and providing support to those impacted.
Authorities are currently focused on rescue and recovery operations at the crash site. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that nearly all bodies have been recovered and that DNA testing is being conducted to identify the victims. The sole survivor of the crash, a British national of Indian origin named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is receiving treatment at a local hospital. He reportedly escaped from an emergency exit shortly after the crash.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly regarding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has stated its readiness to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The National Transportation Safety Board of the U.S. and Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch are also sending investigators to assist in the inquiry.
