Air India confirms 241 aboard London-bound flight dead after crashing just seconds from take off

Visuals showed thick black smoke rising up into the sky from the airport. GB News understands the crash took place in a civilian area of Ahmedabad.

Air India confirmed there were 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese passengers on board at the time of the crash. Police said the flight crashed onto a hostel building for doctors.

The Indian Air Accident Investigation Bureau has accepted the UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch's offer of assistance, and with a team of four inspectors currently en route to Ahmedabad.

Police found one survivor on the flight, with another found in the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

The British survivor has been named locally as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian who was returning to the UK after a visit. He has been pictured walking away from the plane crash in new footage from local media.

The survivor's brother said he has "no idea" how Kumar Ramesh survived the crash.

Police in the area report the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with FlightRadar reporting the final "Mayday" signal being received "just seconds after take off."

A London Gatwick spokesman said: “We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

"The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 passengers and crew members on board. London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided. Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board."

A reception centre has been set up at Gatwick's terminal, with the airport saying: "British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000."

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WARNING DISTRESSING IMAGES: Footage shows the aircraft trying to take off

Tata Group, which owns Air India, has offered 10 million rupees (£85,973) to the families of each person who has lost their life.

One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire rising into the sky from beyond the houses.

Prime Minister Sir 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.

"The images and news from India is absolutely devastating, and I speak for the entire country in saying our thoughts are with each and every one of those involved.

"There will be British and Indian families across the land who are absolutely impacted by this. And our thoughts first and foremost are with them."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.

"I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

London Gatwick chief executive says he was "very saddened" to hear about the Air India crash, and that the airport is working to support relatives of those on board.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive, London Gatwick said: "We are very saddened to hear about today’s accident involving Air India flight AI171 and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those on board.

"We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident shortly after departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (June 12) was due to land at London Gatwick at 6.25pm.

"London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided."

Foreign secretary David Lammy said: "Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel wrote on social media: "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."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "My thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families of those on board, and the emergency teams responding to what appears to be a horrifying tragedy."

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: "Terrible news of the Air India flight that has crashed and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved."

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer wrote on social media: "Absolutely horrified to hear about the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

"My thoughts are with those on board and their families and loved ones as we await more news."

Air India CEO, Campbell Wilson, said in a video message: "We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts.

"A special team of caregivers from Air India is on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.

"Investigations will take time, but anything we can do now, we are doing."

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved.

"British nationals who require consular assistance, or have concerns for friends or family, call:

• +91 (11) 2419 2100 (in India)
• +44 (0) 20 7008 5000 (in the UK)

"The Government of Gujarat State have established an Emergency Centre that can be contacted on: +91 (0) 79 23251900 / +91 (0) 9078405304.

"Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information can call 1800 5691 444."

India's Civil Aviation Minister confirmed that the aircraft accident investigation bureau has initiated a formal investigation.

It is understood that Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has tonight chaired a COBRA meeting concerning the crash.

COBRA meetings are gatherings of senior Government officials and other key figures to discuss and respond to national emergencies.