President condoles IAF chopper crash deaths

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday condoled the death of seven people in Friday's Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crash in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district.

An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) of the IAF crashed in the district Friday, killing all seven people on board. The helicopter was flying from Bareilly to Allahabad.

In a condolence message to the chief of the air force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Mukherjee said: "I am saddened to learn about the tragic crash of an Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Air Force near Sitapur of Lucknow Area, in which all seven occupants, including the pilot and co-pilot, lost their lives."

He hoped necessary help and assistance is being provided to the next of kin of those who lost their lives.

"Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families, friends and colleagues. I pray for peace of the departed souls," added Mukherjee.