The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India following the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which claimed the lives of at least 265 people.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and pledged solidarity with India during what it described as “a period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.”
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss,” the statement read.
Ebienfa noted that while preliminary information suggests no Nigerian citizen was onboard the ill-fated flight, the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with relevant Indian authorities to confirm the details and offer consular support if needed.
“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for a thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future,” the statement added.
The London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, slamming into a residential building — a medical staff hostel — in the city of Ahmedabad. The impact and resulting fireball led to further casualties on the ground, with authorities reporting at least 265 bodies recovered so far.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai confirmed to reporters that “265 bodies have reached the hospital,” adding that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continue searching the site.
Eyewitness accounts and reports from the scene described harrowing images, with an AFP journalist observing recovery efforts and parts of the aircraft, including its tail section, hanging over a damaged building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.”
Rescue operations, involving sniffer dogs and emergency crews, continued into Friday as investigations into the cause of the crash commenced.
