Carney, fellow world leaders react to tragic Air India crash

World leaders are offering their condolences to the families and loved ones of the more than 240 people reported to have lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in India on Thursday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "devastated" to learn of the air disaster that had claimed so many lives, including that of a Canadian.

"My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board," the prime minister said in a statement posted online.

The Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in Ahmedabad, India, hitting a medical college hostel. The plane had been due to fly to the British airport of Gatwick, south of London.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words."

The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin and is being treated in a hospital, the airline confirmed. The man told Indian media how he had heard a loud noise shortly after Flight AI171 took off.

The passengers included 217 adults, 11 children and two infants, a source told Reuters. Air India said 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

'Absolutely devastating': Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the news of the crash was "absolutely devastating." He said his country's thoughts were with the families whose loved ones were aboard the plane.

WATCH | Dozens of British citizens aboard Air India flight that crashed: 

U.K. reacts to Air India crash bound for London

1 day ago

Duration 4:00

Fifty-three British citizens were on the London-bound Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad in northwestern India, officials said. At least 240 people were killed in what is one of India’s worst airline disasters in decades.

Pope Leo XIV sent "his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, together with the assurance of prayers for all involved in the recovery efforts," according to a statement from the Vatican's secretary of state, which was posted on X.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe "stands in solidarity" with India's prime minister and the country's people "in this moment of sorrow."

U.S. President Donald Trump called the crash "terrible."