Deeply distressed: President Murmu on Gujarat plane crash

Indian President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the Gujarat plane crash in Ahmedabad, saying that it is a heart-rending disaster.

Meanwhile, expressing sadness over the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is "heartbreaking" beyond words.

He said he is in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.

The London-bound Air India flight crashed into a doctors' hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport shortly after it took off on Thursday, a senior police officer said.

Providing an update on the flight that crashed carrying 242 people including 12 crew members onboard, the senior Ahmedabad police officer stated that about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the crash site had been cleared. He also appealed to the public to cooperate for the green corridor for the ambulance.

"After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel. After a few minutes of the incident, the concerned authorities reached the spot... We have cleared about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area... We urge all the people to cooperate with us so that we can make a green corridor for the ambulance to go to the hospital," the senior officer stated.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure a safe and efficient rescue operation with the Gujarat government mobilising three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site.

The Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency number for the police emergency services and to get necessary information related to the plane crash.

"Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X.

(ANI)