12th Jun 2025 12:26
(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called scenes of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad "devastating", adding "my thoughts are with the passengers and their families".
"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," Starmer said in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.
Air India had said that the 242 passengers and crew on board the London-bound passenger plane included 169 Indian passengers, as well as British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals.
Earlier, Air India Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today."
He added that an emergency centre has been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.
Flight AI171 is listed as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which can hold more than 200 passengers.
Boeing shares were down 7.1% at USD198.80 pre-market on Thursday in New York.
source: AFP
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