By Olatunbosun Obafemi
An Air India flight en route to London has crashed near Ahmedabad, in western India, with more than 240 passengers on board. Images from the scene show burnt-out buildings, heavy debris, and extensive destruction, suggesting a high-impact disaster in a densely populated area.
Air India confirmed the aircraft was carrying at least 240 people, including over 50 British nationals. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but rescue efforts are ongoing.
Emergency responders, firefighters, and medical teams have been deployed to the crash site, while investigators begin probing the cause of the crash.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed shock, stating that “all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words,” adding that the tragedy has “stunned and saddened” the nation.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “devastated” by the incident and was being kept updated. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he wrote on X.
Foreign Minister David Lammy also expressed condolences and confirmed that the UK is working with Indian authorities to provide assistance.
The UK Foreign Office has activated emergency response lines and urged concerned citizens to call +44 20 7008 5000 for consular help.
Details later…
