New Delhi [India], June 12 : Members of the Indian cricket fraternity expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families on Thursday after a London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 people including 12 crew members, went down at 1:38 PM, near Ahmedabad airport.
Indian Fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who hails from Gujarat, shared his grief on Instagram Stories: "Prayers and strength for everyone affected by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad."
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All-rounder Hardik Pandya also offered his condolences: "Heartbreaking to hear about the crash in Ahmedabad. Prayers and strength to the families of those affected."
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Ajinkya Rahane also posted: "Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Prayers for the victims and their families."
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Cheteshwar Pujara too expressed deep anguish: "Saddened and hearbroken to hear about the plane crash in Ahmedabad, praying for the families of everyone affected."
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The crash has cast a pall of grief across the country, with messages of support and sorrow pouring in from across the sporting world and beyond.
The Air India flight with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter.
Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national.
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airlines said.
The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.
As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC.
Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.
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