U.S. President Donald Trump has offered his condolences to the families of those who perished in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives.
Trump labeled the terrible and one of the worst in aviation history. He expressed sympathy and pledged support to India in a statement following the incident.
โIt was a terrible tragedy,โ he said. โIโve already told them [India], we’re ready to help in any way we can. India is a large and resilient country, and Iโm confident theyโll manage the situation. But I made it clear, whatever assistance we can offer will be sent immediately.โ
Trump also commented on the possible cause of the crash, noting that the aircraft appeared to be flying normally prior to the accident. It didnโt seem like there was an explosion and it seems as if the engines may have lost power.
In response to the crash, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead a team of American investigators to assist Indiaโs Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in determining the cause.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also actively contributing to the probe.
The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 people aboard.
The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking what officials describe as the deadliest aviation disaster in the last decade.
According to Ahmedabad Airportโs air traffic control, the plane departed at 1:39 p.m. local time (0809 GMT) and issued a Mayday distress call shortly afterward. However, communication was lost soon after the call.
The tragedy has prompted a wave of international condolences, with leaders around the world expressing sorrow and solidarity with India.
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