'Saddened by the tragic crash': Pakistan PM Shebaz Sharif extends condolences after Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences after an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

"Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," Sharif posted on X.

The aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad, minutes after takeoff, was carrying 242 passengers. The plane was also carrying former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Latest reports suggest that one survivor has been found on the crashed flight and is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, 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 said in a statement, shortly after the crash.

DGCA confirmed that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was flying the plane that crashed in Ahmedabad, minutes after takeoff. Meanwhile, First Officer Clive Kundar was the co-pilot on the plane.

"Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23," DGCA said in a statement.

Distressing visuals from the crash site emerged on social media, showing charred bodies being taken from the place. Operational control rooms were set up and helpline numbers were shared to assist the close kin of those onboard the plane.