Tinubu mourns victims of Air India crash, condoles with PM Modi
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu on Friday extended heartfelt condolences to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, as well as the government and people of the Republic of India, following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying two pilots, ten cabin crew members, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, crashed at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time.
In response to the incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has been closed until further notice.
Prime Minister Modi described the crash as an event that has “stunned and saddened everyone.”
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and offered prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this difficult period.
“The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together. At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother, and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,” President Tinubu said.
He also commended the swift response of Indian emergency services and expressed confidence in their capacity and compassion to manage the challenging situation.
