Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a statement after a plane bound for the UK tragically crashed shortly after takeoff.
The Air India flight bound for London Gatwick carrying 242 people plunged into a residential area in Ahmedabad, India.
The ill-fated Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 10:08AM local time, but within seconds, everything went horrifyingly wrong.
The aircraft’s transponder signal vanished at just 625 feet above ground, barely a minute into its journey, according to BBC News.
Air India clarified the full manifest: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
"Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident."
Per BBC News, Keir Starmer said: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."
King Charles is also being kept up to date regarding the tragedy.
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed his deep sorrow, posting on X: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
All outgoing flights from Ahmedabad’s international airport have been suspended until further notice.