Trump, Officials, Congressional Reps, Extend Sympathy, Support After Plane Crash
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States government and aviation industry have extended sympathy and support following the devastating crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying an estimated 242 passengers, crashed minutes after takeoff en route to London, tragically striking a hostel for intern doctors.
President Donald Trump swiftly addressed the incident, calling it “terrible” and “one of the worst in aviation history.” He said the US was ready to provide any necessary assistance, stating, “Anything we can do, we’ll be over there immediately.”
He noted, “The plane crash was terrible… it’s a big country, strong country, they will handle it, I am sure but I have let them know… anything we can do, we’ll be over there immediately. It was a horrible crash. We saw the plane, it was flying pretty well… just looked like maybe the engines lost power, that’s a terrible crash, one of the worst in the aviation history.”
Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, also expressed its deep condolences. Company President and CEO Kelly Ortberg affirmed that a dedicated Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation, stating, “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support.”
The US commitment to assistance continued with statements from top officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences, emphasizing, “We continue to monitor developments and stand with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.”
Crucially, US aviation agencies are mobilizing resources to aid the probe. The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed it will lead a team of US investigators traveling to India to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also stated its readiness to deploy a team in coordination with the NTSB, clarifying that while the host country’s government leads such investigations, the US stands ready to provide technical support. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy further confirmed that officials from the FAA, NTSB, Boeing, and engine-maker GE Aerospace would be traveling to India.
Numerous members of the US Congress have also voiced their sorrow and solidarity with India. Representative Grace Meng offered assistance to constituents, while the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans expressed heartbreak and support. Senator Mark Warner and Representative Gregory Meeks conveyed deep sadness, and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Brad Sherman, and Pramila Jayapal called for a full investigation and offered condolences to affected families.
US officials have noted that while investigations are in their early stages and the cause is not yet clear, there is currently no evidence to suggest a need to ground the Boeing 787 fleet globally. They stressed that all decisions would be based on factual findings from the ongoing investigation. (with IANS inputs)
