NEW DELHI: President Draupadi Murmu described Wednesday’s Air India flight crash as a “heart-rending disaster,” while Union home minister Amit Shah said he is “pained beyond words.“The Air India flight took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport for London Gatwick Airport at 1:38 pm, and crashed five minutes after take-off. There were 242 people on board, including the two pilots and 10 cabin crew.Here are some reactions:President Droupadi Murmu: “I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.”Home minister Amit Shah: “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”Defence minister Rajnath Singh: “Deeply anguished by the news of tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and the crew.”Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman: “Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers for all families and friends of those on board the flight.”External affairs minister S Jaishankar: “Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families.”Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi: “The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical – every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground.”Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis: “Pained and shocked to know about Air India passenger flight incident at Ahmedabad airport. Praying for everyone’s safety.”Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge: “Absolutely shocked to know about the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat where several passengers and crew members were on board. It’s heart-wrenching to see the horrific visuals. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers with the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew.”Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: “My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you.”