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British Indian leaders condole London-bound plane crash

The plane was bound for London from Ahmedabad, which was carrying 242 people, including 43 British nationals.

Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi / X (Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi )

British Indian leaders expressed shock and condolences following the crash of an Air India flight bound for London from Ahmedabad, which was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals.

Former UK Prime Minister and MP for Richmond and Northallerton, Rishi Sunak, posted on X saying, “Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy. There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.”

 



Also Read: Air India plane with 242 on board crashes at India's Ahmedabad airport

Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary and MP for Witham, said“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene.”

“This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board. As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected,” she said emphasizing the need for government coordination.



Labour Party MP, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in India today, involving a UK-bound flight from Ahmedabad with over 240 people, including many Brits. Heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all affected. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” 



The crash occurred minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. local time. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB, issued a “Mayday” call before losing contact. 

Visuals from the crash site near the airport showed thick smoke, burning debris, and emergency teams responding to the disaster.

Ahmedabad airport suspended all operations following the crash. Air India said it had activated an emergency center and a support team for families seeking information. The Indian Prime Minister’s Office said Narendra Modi had instructed the civil aviation ministry to ensure immediate assistance to rescue operations.

This is India’s deadliest aviation incident since 2020, when an Air India Express flight crashed in Kozhikode, killing 21 people.

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