U.S. President Donald Trump has described the crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, as “one of the worst in aviation history,” offering immediate assistance to India in the aftermath of the disaster.

The London-bound flight, which departed from Ahmedabad, crashed into a medical college shortly after takeoff. Of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, 241 lost their lives. The sole survivor, Ramesh Viswashkumar, was seated in seat 11A.

Addressing reporters in the East Room of the White House after signing legislation to overturn California’s electric vehicle mandate, President Trump remarked, “The plane crash was terrible. I’ve already told them if there is anything we can do. It’s a big country, a strong country. They’ll handle it, I’m sure. But I let them know that anything we can do, we’ll be over there immediately…”

He added, “We saw the plane. It looked like it was flying pretty well. It didn’t look like there was an explosion. Just looked like the engines had maybe lost power, but boy, that is a terrible crash. It’s one of the worst in aviation history…”

Indian American organizations have also expressed profound sorrow in the wake of the tragic incident.

Indiaspora, in a statement, extended its “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families, saying, “This tragedy resonates deeply within our community, as many of our members and staff have personal connections to the affected region.”

“In this time of grief, we stand united with our community and with India as we mourn together and support one another,” the statement continued. Indiaspora also pledged to share ways in which the global Indian diaspora can contribute to relief efforts as more information becomes available.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) also conveyed its grief over the loss of lives, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating accident.”

Similarly, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) expressed shock and sadness over the crash. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event,” USIBC said in its statement.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA said “In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. May they find strength and peace in the face of such loss.”

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