Pres Ali extends solidarity with India over tragic plane crash

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended condolences to the government and people of the Republic of India following Wednesday’s horrific plane crash that claimed the lives of more than 200 persons, including children.
The Air India flight, AI171 – which was destined for London – crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat on Wednesday afternoon. Only one passenger survived the tragic incident. 
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the 230 passengers, including 11 children, 2 infants and 12 crew members aboard the flight, as well as those who lost their lives or were injured from the impact of a building struck by the aircraft.” President Ali said in a brief statement.
Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Georgetown and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre have also expressed deep sadness and shock to learn about the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“We stand in solidarity with those who have lost their near and dear ones in this tragedy and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. May the Almighty God provide strength to those affected by this devastating tragedy,” they noted in a statement.
Flight AI171 took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad en route to the London Gatwick Airport. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 h, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, Air India confirmed in a subsequent statement on Friday (India Time).
“Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 is a Canadian national, and 7 are Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” the airline stated.
It added, “Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
Meanwhile, the sole survivor of the incident has been identified as a British national of Indian origin, Vishwashkumar Ramesh.
In videos circulating on social media and by international news agencies, he was seen walking away from the crash site, seemingly disoriented. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Based on local reports, Ramesh sustained multiple injuries about his body but is out of any danger. Ramesh had travelled to India for vacation along with one of his brothers, who was also killed in the crash.
The plane had crashed onto a medical college hostel during lunchtime, killing over 240 people.
BBC reports say that by night-time, a police official who wanted to stay anonymous told the news agency that all the bodies and their remains had been removed from the site of the crash.