• Source:JND
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In an emotional message, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his sorrow and solidarity following the tragic crash of a London-bound passenger plane in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The aircraft, which was carrying 53 British nationals and 169 Indian citizens, crashed under yet-undisclosed circumstances..

Taking to the social media platform X, Starmer posted, "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."

Catastrophic Crash Minutes After Takeoff

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Runway 23 at 1:38 pm and issued a distress ‘MAYDAY’ call to air traffic control shortly afterwards. Communication was lost almost immediately after. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area in Meghani Nagar, just outside the airport perimeter, triggering a massive blaze and causing widespread panic. Several casualties are feared, though authorities have yet to release an official death toll.

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UK Embassy in India Coordinates Emergency Response

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) quickly activated crisis response teams in both New Delhi and London. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed the House of Commons, stating, “We know that British nationals were on board and I can confirm that the FCDO is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families. My thoughts, and I’m sure those of the entire House, are with those who’ve been affected by the tragic plane crash in India this morning.”

The UK embassy in India also issued a statement, confirming its close coordination with Indian authorities. “We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”

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Flight Details And Passenger Breakdown

The  flight was piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder. Along with 230 passengers, the plane had 12 crew members on board. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.

Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to the crash site. Rescue and recovery operations continue amid burning wreckage and debris.