US President Trump pledges support in wake of India plane crash

 US President Trump pledges support in wake of India plane crash

US President Donald Trump expressed concern about the fatal plane crash in India on Thursday and said he has pledged US support if needed in its aftermath.

A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane en route to London crashed on departure at an airport in India’s western city of Ahmedabad, with more than 200 people feared dead.

“The plane crash was terrible. I’ve already told them, 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. But it was a horrific crash,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump said he “gave them a couple of pointers” but declined to share what pointers he offered.

Boeing CEO offers condolences to the victims and families

Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg has now issued a statement about the crash, saying her thoughts are with the victims.

"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," she says.

Ortberg says she spoke with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran "to offer our full support", and reiterates that Boeing will support an investigation lead by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.