PM shares grief with France, Brazil over jetliner tragedy

New Delhi, June 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the loss of lives in the Air France jetliner tragedy.

In separate letters to President Nicholas Sarkozy of France and President Lula da Silva of Brazil, the Prime Minister expressed his grief saying that India shares the pain and sorrow.

"I am deeply distressed to hear about the tragedy that has struck Air France's Flight AF 447 which was on its way from Brazil to France," Dr. Singh said.

"On behalf of the people and Government of India, I convey our most sincere condolences on the terrible incident which has affected the lives of so many innocent men, women and children.

"Our best wishes and prayers are with you at this moment as investigations are carried out and the full picture emerges. We pray for strength to the families whose loved ones were travelling on the flight to bear this senseless and tragic loss, and we share your pain and sorrow," Dr. Singh added.

AF447, with 228 people on board, went missing on Monday. The flight bound from Rio de Janeiro to Paris went missing over the Atlantic Ocean. The plane was carrying 216 passengers and 12 crewmembers.

Air traffic control lost contact with the Airbus A330 at 0600 GMT as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean after taking off from Rio de Janeiro; it was due to land at the Charles de Gulle airport in Paris at 0910 GMT. (ANI)