President Irfaan Ali has issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Government and People of the Republic of India in light of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171.

The London-bound aircraftBoeing 787-8, crashed on top of the dining area of a medical college hostel shortly after take-off early Thursday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the 230 passengers, including 11 children, two infants, and 12 crew members aboard the flight, as well as those who lost their lives or were injured from the impact of a building struck by the aircraft,” President Ali said.

One passenger survived the fiery crash.

It is still not clear what exactly caused the tragic incident.  Video footage of the crash shows the plane with its nose pointed upward, sinking towards the ground before colliding with the medical college.