The tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 242 people, was lamented on Thursday by former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, as well as many IPL franchises. The flight that was headed to London fell soon after takeoff.

Thick smoke was seen pouring from the crash scene close to the Ahmedabad airport in images shared on social media and news outlets. Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into the residential section of Meghani Nagar only five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time, according to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation.

Harbhajan Singh expressed his "utterly shocked and deeply anguished" feelings about the tragic event on X (formerly Twitter).

"The news of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has left me completely stunned and in great pain. To all the victims and their families who are suffering unspeakable grief and loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Words seem insufficient in situations like this, but I hope that those impacted may discover bravery, strength, and encouragement. "I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy," he stated.

Here are some of the other reactions…

There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on the flight, which was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, Kidwai said.

Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said currently their "primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.” Taking to X, he said that the airline has set up an emergency center and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said.

Read Also: Bollywood Stars Akshay Kumar, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt Mourn Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Victims

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