PBBM offers sympathy to India after deadly plane crash

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

The Philippines stands in full solidarity with the people of India following the tragedy, Marcos said. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday night conveyed his deepest condolences to India following the deadly plane crash in the western city of Ahmedabad.

“Filipinos are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad,” Marcos said in a post on X.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and especially to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives,” he added.

The Philippines stands in full solidarity with the people of India following the tragedy, Marcos said.

“Our thoughts are with every family, across India and beyond, grieving this profound loss,” he said.

Air India Flight AI-171, carrying 242 people, crashed in the Meghaninagar residential area shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India’s western state of Gujarat, according to India’s Civil Aviation Directorate General.

All passengers are believed to have died, according to News18 report.

At least five students were also killed and several injured when the London-bound plane slammed into a medical college hostel, with Ahmedabad Police confirming that 25 people were injured on the ground.

“May the victims be remembered with dignity, and may the ongoing efforts to understand this tragedy bring comfort and clarity to those left behind,” Marcos said.

Of the 242 people on board the plane, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were from UK, seven from Portugal, and one from Canada, in addition to two pilots and 10 members of the cabin crew.