Mumbai, June 12 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, saying the death of passengers and local citizens in the accident is "shocking, painful and unfortunate".

The entire country, including Maharashtra, is saddened by the plane crash in Ahmedabad city and every Maharashtra resident shares the grief of the families of the deceased, Pawar said in his condolence message.

Pawar said the plane flying from Ahmedabad to London crashed into buildings in Ahmedabad city shortly after takeoff.

Gujarat Police, fire brigade, ambulance service, medical teams, and security forces reached the accident site and immediately carried out rescue and relief work. "But the loss of life is very great and will not be compensated. Although the exact cause of the accident is not yet known, it will be clear after the investigation. But steps need to be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents," he said.

The accident has created a need to pay more serious attention to the safety of air services, he added.

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