Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles is being kept informed of developments regarding the Air India flight that was travelling to London Gatwick Airport.
The London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, crashed in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner came down in a residential area near the airport, striking a doctors' hostel.
The aircraft had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 IST from runway 23.
King Charles receiving updates after London-bound plane carrying 242 people including 53 Brits crashesGetty
According to Flight Radar data, contact was lost mere seconds after take-off when the plane had reached an altitude of 625 feet.
Emergency services reached the crash site within minutes.
A senior police officer confirmed to ANI news agency that rescue operations are currently underway, with police, firefighters and civic workers at the scene.
The flight crew consisted of an experienced captain with 8,200 flying hours and a co-pilot with 1,100 hours of experience.
According to Flight Radar data, contact was lost mere seconds after take-off when the plane had reached an altitude of 625 feet.
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Among the 242 people aboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national, alongside two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
The aircraft issued a mayday call to air traffic control shortly after take-off but subsequently failed to respond.
A spokesperson for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport confirmed that all flight operations have been suspended until further notice.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a statement on the tragedy, saying: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a statement on the tragedy.
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The Prime Minister added: "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy also issued a statement: "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."
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