Passenger aircraft crashes in India

A passenger aircraft has crashed in the state of Gujarat, India. According to preliminary reports, 242 people were on board, including 12 crew members, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

The aircraft crashed in the Meghaninagar area, near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. Around 20 emergency vehicles, including fire engines and several ambulances, are already at the scene, beginning evacuation and providing first aid. Authorities have blocked the roads surrounding the crash site. At present, Indian media, citing police sources, reported 310 dead on board and on the ground.

The situation is under control, and authorities are continuing rescue operations and efforts to stabilise the area.

"We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," said India's Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.

The Consulate General of Russia in Mumbai expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of India over the tragedy.

"The Consulate General is in close contact with the Indian authorities and is investigating the circumstances of what happened," it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of condolence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the tragic consequences of the plane crash.

Russia's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, also expressed his condolences to the people and government of India for the tragedy.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, expressed his deep sadness on learning of the tragic plane crash involving the Indian aircraft and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

Condolences were also sent by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

The news is being updated.

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